Recent immigration enforcement operations in Maine have stirred significant controversy among residents and officials. The initiative, named “Operation Catch of the Day,” is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Portland and Lewiston areas. Reports detail increased ICE activities amidst widespread fear in immigrant communities.
Background on Operation Catch of the Day
On January 22, 2026, Governor Janet Mills responded strongly to the ongoing operations, likening ICE agents to ‘secret police.’ She criticized the lack of transparency from the federal agency and raised concerns over the detentions of individuals without criminal records. Mills stressed the need for clarity regarding the targeting of immigrants.
Details of Recent Arrests
The enforcement actions have led to the detainment of several individuals, including an 18-year-old student from the University of Southern Maine. According to his mother, he has no criminal background, raising questions about the criteria used in these operations.
Additionally, an Angolan asylum seeker, Yanick Joao Carneiro, was apprehended during a routine check-in at an ICE office in Scarborough. Following his detention, a federal judge ordered ICE to explain the circumstances of his arrest.
Community Response
- Fear Among Immigrants: Many residents, especially within immigrant communities, are expressing concern about leaving their homes or engaging in daily activities due to fears of ICE encounters.
- Local Initiatives: Organizations like the Westbrook Families Feeding Families pantry are increasing efforts to support families affected by ICE’s presence. They reported cash donations amounting to approximately $3,000 within the first two days of heightened enforcement.
- Legal Advocacy: The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project is encouraging those impacted to seek legal help swiftly, emphasizing that detainees could be transferred out of state within hours.
Political Reactions
The operations have prompted varied political responses, with Maine Republican leadership urging a cooling of tensions regarding federal immigration enforcement. They warn that inflammatory rhetoric could lead to real-world consequences, referencing incidents of violence against ICE agents in other states.
Meanwhile, Senate candidate Graham Platner has advocated for a more aggressive stance against ICE’s actions, calling for residents to actively demonstrate against their operations.
Future Implications
As the situation evolves, the repercussions of “Operation Catch of the Day” are being closely monitored by local lawmakers and community organizations. The fear instilled in local communities and the political tension reflects the ongoing national debate about immigration enforcement practices under the current administration.
