Sen. Susan Collins speaks to the media after an event in Portland on Oct. 6. (Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said Thursday morning that ICE has “ceased its enhanced operations in the State of Maine” slightly more than one week after federal officials launched “Operation Catch of the Day.”
The Department of Homeland Security does not confirm law enforcement operations, Collins said in a statement, but “there are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here.”
The intensified immigration effort, meant to target the “worst of the worst,” had resulted in more than 200 arrests. Federal officials said they had a list of more than 1,400 targets in Maine.
But state officials and families say that some people with misdemeanors or no criminal records were apprehended during this operation, including asylum seekers, an 18-year-old student, a civil engineer and a corrections officer.
The operation’s impacts have rippled out across the state. Thousands of students have been absent, and some businesses temporarily closed their doors in fear of staff being targeted by ICE. U.S. citizens have been carrying their passports, saying they’re afraid of being detained and racially profiled.
Neighbors, friends and volunteers have built support systems for those affected, like forming carpool groups for school and bringing food to people’s homes.
Maine immigrant advocacy groups launched an ICE activity hotline last year, which saw a significant surge in calls during the first week of the federal operation in Maine. Areas with the most reported ICE sightings that week included Portland, South Portland and Westbrook, as well as Lewiston and Scarborough.
Portland Mayor Mark Dion said Thursday morning he was still trying to confirm the news with Sen. Collins’ staff.
“If it’s true, it’s great news for the state of Maine, however we need to do the work to confirm that it is the case.”
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline also said he welcomed the news, if it’s true.
“ICE operations in Maine have failed to improve public safety and have caused lasting damage to our communities,” he said in a written statement. “We will continue working to ensure that those who were wrongfully detained by ICE are returned to us.”
Sheline added that although the advanced operation might be over, residents should remember that immigration enforcement will continue.
“We need to remain vigilant, continue to check on our neighbors, and take common sense steps to keep ourselves safe,” he said.
Collins, in her statement, also said ICE and Border Patrol will continue their normal operations in the state.
She had called on the Trump administration to pause the operation on Tuesday around the same time police arrested nine faith leaders who were protesting outside the senator’s Portland office.
“I believe they should be reviewed and far more targeted in their scope,” Collins said on Tuesday. “I have also called for an independent investigation, not one overseen by the Department of Homeland Security.”
Maine’s Republican senator has faced mounting pressure to speak out about immigration enforcement and to vote against a DHS funding bill that would provide further funding. Graham Platner, who is campaigning in the Democratic primary to unseat Collins, had planned protests outside of her offices in Portland and Bangor for Thursday morning.
Collins has said she would not oppose the bill because less than 20% of the funding is for ICE. The rest pays for the salaries and operations of the U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, TSA and other agencies.
This is a developing story.
Staff Writer Andrew Rice contributed to this story
