Maine Politics and Law Enforcement in Focus

Senate Primary: Mills Withdraws, Platner Leads

"While I have the drive and passion... I very simply do not have the one thing that political campaigns unfortunately require today: the financial resources."
— Governor Janet Mills

Maine Governor Janet Mills announced the suspension of her campaign for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate on Thursday, citing insufficient financial resources. Mills, 78, a two-term governor and former state attorney general, entered the race in October 2025, later than her primary opponent.

Her withdrawal positions political newcomer Graham Platner as the expected Democratic nominee to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election on June 9.

Financial and Polling Dynamics

Platner, 41, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, has raised more campaign funds than Mills. Reports indicate Platner raised $4 million in the most recent quarter compared to Mills' $2.6 million. Senator Collins reported $10 million in cash on hand. Platner also outspent Mills on advertising, $4.2 million to $1.16 million.

A February survey showed Platner leading Mills by 38 points among primary voters.

Endorsements and Reactions

Mills had been endorsed by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Following her withdrawal, Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated they would work with Platner. Platner has received endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Ruben Gallego, and Martin Heinrich.

Senator Collins thanked Mills for her service. National Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have characterized Platner as a radical or extreme candidate.

Background on Platner

Platner has faced controversy over past social media posts from 2013 and a tattoo previously associated with a Nazi symbol, which he has since addressed and apologized for. Some of his posts included comments downplaying sexual assault, self-identifying as a communist, and making critical statements about certain demographics and law enforcement.

His campaign has attributed these posts to struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder following his military service.

The Mills campaign released advertisements highlighting these past comments, stating it was important for Maine voters to know about them.

Federal Immigration Operation in Maine

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted an immigration enforcement operation in Maine, which a DHS spokesperson referred to as "Operation Catch of the Day." The stated objective was to arrest individuals with criminal records.

Scale of the Operation

DHS reported making over 200 arrests since initiating enhanced operations the previous week. Patricia Hyde, ICE Deputy Assistant Director, stated the agency compiled a list of 1,400 individuals in Maine it intends to target. DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin stated that some arrested individuals were "charged and convicted of horrific crimes," citing examples including aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Reports from Officials and Advocacy Groups

State and local officials, as well as immigrant advocacy groups, reported that the operation extended beyond its stated focus on criminal offenders.

• Governor Mills: Stated that the Trump administration had not responded to her inquiries. She reported instances of people with no criminal records being detained and requested transparency regarding warrants and arrest numbers.
• Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce: Reported that a corrections officer recruit with permission to work was arrested by ICE. Joyce stated there was a "discrepancy between official narratives and events" and later reported that 50 detainees were moved from the county jail.
• Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP): Reported receiving calls from individuals with lawful status who were detained. The organization reported incidents of racial profiling.
• Citizen Reports: Individuals reported incidents including a 28-year-old Ecuadorian immigrant with valid status being told agents would "come back for your whole family" when he declined to exit his home, and a woman who claimed U.S. citizenship being handcuffed in a grocery store parking lot.

Transfers of Detainees

Immigration attorneys stated that over 200 individuals were arrested, with some being transferred out of state. Attorneys noted that out-of-state transfers make detainees harder to reach and can increase the likelihood of removal. Eight Maine residents were reported to have been transferred to Louisiana, according to ILAP.

Cessation of Enhanced Operations

Senator Susan Collins announced Thursday that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem informed her that ICE has ended its enhanced operations in Maine. Collins stated that standard, long-standing operations by ICE and Customs and Border Patrol will continue.

DHS did not immediately provide a comment regarding the announcement.

Reactions to the Operation

• Senator Collins: Stated she communicated with Secretary Noem to express concerns about the operation's reach and the name "Operation Catch of the Day."
• Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine): Stated her office could not independently confirm the cessation of enhanced operations due to a lack of information from DHS. She expressed concern that ending the surge does not imply a return to previous enforcement standards.
• Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline: Described the scale-down as positive, characterizing the operations as "disastrous" for the community.
• Graham Platner: Criticized both Mills' and Collins' handling of the situation and questioned the reliability of Collins' announcement.
• Governor Mills: Continued to call for transparency, asking "Why Maine? Why now?"

Broader Political Implications

The Maine race is seen as a key contest for control of the U.S. Senate. Analysts note that Maine's independent voter base is decreasing, and the state is shifting politically. Immigration enforcement has become a key issue in the Senate race.

Senator Collins' disapproval rating was 54% against an approval of 41% in a Morning Consult poll.

Related: Potential Immigration Operations in Ohio

Separately, reports indicate that federal immigration enforcement operations are being considered for Springfield, Ohio, potentially focusing on Haitian immigrants coinciding with the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti on February 3. Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 Haitians reside in Springfield.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and city officials stated they have no information or confirmation regarding a deployment plan. DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment.