Maine Governor Janet Mills addressed residents on Wednesday following the launch of “Operation Catch of the Day,” an initiative by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting undocumented immigrants in the state. As described in a public release, Mills emphasized her administration’s focus on both upholding the law and safeguarding community members.
Governor Mills articulated her stance by asking the federal government to display warrants if available while condemning actions that instill fear by separating families without cause. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operation is aimed at the “worst criminal illegal aliens” in Maine, with recent arrests linked to charges like aggravated assault and endangering child welfare. ICE’s Assistant Secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, criticized Mills and other state officials for what she perceives as leniency towards criminals over law-abiding citizens.
Before this operation, Mills had released a statement preparing local law enforcement to coordinate with state police in response to federal activities. As ICE operations intensify across the nation, including similar efforts in states like North Carolina, Chicago, and Minnesota, Maine’s approach emphasizes protecting immigrant communities, which represent about four percent of the state’s population.
The recent developments occur amidst ICE’s broader enforcement strategy. According to a DHS release, ICE recorded approximately 605,000 deportations in the previous year, marking significant activity levels. While only a small fraction of Maine’s population are immigrants, officials continue to scrutinize the increased federal enforcement action within their jurisdiction.