ICE Commences Immigration Operation, Deploying Deportation Agents to Maine
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated a new immigration enforcement operation named “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine. This operation commenced on Tuesday and is part of a broader enforcement strategy by the Trump administration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the operation targets individuals in the US illegally who also have criminal records.
Targeted Communities
DHS reports that individuals detained during this operation include immigrants from Angola, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Sudan. Notably, the operation is also focusing on Somali immigrants, who form a significant community in Maine, particularly in Lewiston.
- Location: Lewiston, Maine – Second largest city in the state
- Common nationalities among detained individuals: Angola, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Sudan
- Target: Somali immigrants and others with criminal histories
Government Statements and Reactions
Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, criticized local leaders, particularly Maine’s Governor Janet Mills, for allegedly not cooperating with federal immigration authorities. McLaughlin implied that the state government prioritizes the protection of “criminal illegal aliens” over law-abiding citizens.
Local leaders have voiced their concerns regarding the operation. Westbrook Mayor David Morse reported that ICE’s presence has led to intimidation of peaceful U.S. citizen observers. Morse referred to these actions as outrageous and affirmed the community’s right to peacefully protest.
Legal Context
The U.S. attorney in Maine, Andrew Benson, emphasized the need for peaceful protests and warned that any violence against federal officers would lead to prosecution. The recent deployment of immigration officers has drawn scrutiny, especially following aggressive tactics employed in the Minneapolis area.
Public Sentiment
Criticism of ICE’s methods has been amplified, particularly after an incident that resulted in the shooting of a U.S. citizen by an ICE officer earlier this year. This has heightened concerns regarding the agency’s approach to immigration enforcement across the country.
As the operation unfolds, the local community remains attentive to its implications and the broader conversation about immigration policies in the United States.
