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Federal Immigration Enforcement Operation in Maine Draws Criticism, Concludes Enhanced Phase

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"Operation Catch of the Day" in Maine: Enforcement, Controversy, and Cessation Claims

A federal immigration enforcement operation, "Operation Catch of the Day," was conducted in Maine, leading to over 200 arrests. This initiative has drawn significant criticism from state officials, immigrant rights advocates, and community members.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated its objective was to target 1,400 individuals identified as being in the country illegally, some described as having criminal convictions. Senator Susan Collins later announced the cessation of the "enhanced phase" of the operation, though this claim was met with skepticism and remains unconfirmed by DHS.

Operation Launch and Objectives

"Operation Catch of the Day" began in Maine on January 21. Federal authorities initially stated the operation's goal was to arrest 1,400 individuals identified as being in the country illegally, described by DHS as "egregious criminal alien offenders."

The operation reportedly concentrated on Portland and Lewiston, Maine's two largest cities. Initial reports indicated over 100 arrests within three days, with subsequent figures rising to over 200 total arrests. DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs, Tricia McLaughlin, affirmed that some arrested individuals had been "charged and convicted of crimes," citing examples such as aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Immigrant rights groups observed agents specifically targeting African nationals from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola, many of whom are asylum seekers.

Concerns and Allegations During Operations

During the operation, the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition's ICE sighting hotline received over 1,100 calls on a single day. The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) reported receiving calls from fearful individuals, including a pregnant woman who was hesitant to leave her home for a medical appointment.

Reports from various sources raised significant concerns regarding the scope and conduct of the arrests:

  • Maine Governor Janet Mills reported instances of people with no criminal records being detained.
  • A corrections officer recruit with permission to work in Maine was reportedly arrested by ICE.
  • Cristian Vaca, a 28-year-old Ecuadorian immigrant in Maine with valid immigration status, a work permit, and a Social Security number, recounted an agent telling him they would "come back for your whole family" when he declined to exit his home.
  • Other reported arrests included a civil engineer with a work permit, two legally working asylum-seekers, and an immigrant with no criminal record whose car window was reportedly broken during detention.
  • Elmara Correia was cited for "endangering the welfare of a child," though her former partner stated he did not believe charges were brought.
  • Micheline Kabakodi Ntumba, a single mother and school custodian from the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a pending asylum application, was reportedly detained. A DHS spokesperson stated she was an "illegal alien" who overstayed her tourist visa.

Advocates also reported incidents of racial profiling, agents following immigrant children from school, and agents entering apartment building lobbies. A nurse recounted an agent stating, "I’m gonna arrest three more families today, just for you," while she filmed. A construction worker reported witnessing agents approach and handcuff a Black woman with a child in a grocery store parking lot, who was reportedly screaming she was a U.S. citizen.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated statements that apprehended individuals were "charged and convicted of horrific crimes." A DHS spokesperson denied allegations of racial profiling, calling them "disgusting, reckless and categorically false," and cited the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on "reasonable suspicion" for arrests under the Fourth Amendment.

Detentions and Transfers

Approximately 50 detainees were moved from the Cumberland County Jail in Portland, which had been serving as the state's primary detention hub. The current location of these detainees was undisclosed, as Maine lacks a dedicated immigration detention facility. Family members and immigration attorneys reported significant difficulty locating individuals once they were detained.

Federal authorities transferred detainees out of state, with at least eight Maine residents reportedly sent to Louisiana. Attorneys noted that out-of-state transfers can severely complicate legal challenges, particularly with a September federal board of immigration appeals ruling that removed eligibility for bond release for individuals who crossed the U.S. border unlawfully. Lawyers are increasingly utilizing habeas petitions, which must be filed in the jurisdiction where a detainee is held.

Community Impact and Response

The operation reportedly generated widespread fear among residents, affecting schools, workplaces, and businesses due to employees being detained or not reporting for work. Some schools reported up to 20% student absenteeism. Community responses included protests, financial and transportation assistance, and concerted efforts to share information about agent sightings.

Reported Cessation of Enhanced Operations

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had concluded its enhanced operations in Maine. Collins stated that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed her of the cessation, following communications between them. Collins indicated no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations in the state, adding that standard ICE and Customs and Border Patrol operations would continue. Collins stated she requested a suspension of the enhanced operations due to concerns about their reach and name.

DHS did not immediately provide a comment regarding Collins' announcement. A DHS spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the suspension, stating DHS would "continue to enforce the law across the country" and denied allegations of racial profiling. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) stated her office could not independently confirm the announcement due to a lack of information from DHS. Residents and labor unions expressed skepticism regarding the operation's cessation, claiming ICE maintained a presence.

Official and Political Reactions

  • Governor Janet Mills (D-Maine): Stated the Trump administration had not responded to her inquiries. She urged federal law enforcement to be transparent, requested warrants for arrests, and criticized "secret arrests." Mills expressed skepticism about the claim of 1,400 individuals with criminal backgrounds and called for accountability.
  • Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline: Described the scale-down as positive.
  • Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine): Facing re-election, Collins emphasized her record of independence. Her campaign stated that Republican-backed DHS budget proposals included funding for body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE agents.
  • Democratic Opponents: Democratic congressional candidate Jordan Wood noted a "level of fear" in Lewiston. Graham Platner, a Democratic primary candidate, criticized Collins' and Mills' handling of the situation and advocated for ICE's dismantling, organizing a protest. Democratic groups campaigned against Collins on ICE and DHS funding.

Related Context

Federal immigration operations have been considered for other states, with reports indicating potential operations in Ohio focusing on Haitian immigrants. This coincides with the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti on February 3.