Maine Officials Respond to Reported End of ICE “Enhanced Operations"

By Eloge Willy Kaneza

State and local leaders in Maine responded Thursday to reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ended its “enhanced operations” in the state, as described by federal officials, following days of public concern, protests, and mounting criticism of federal immigration enforcement tactics.

While the Department of Homeland Security has not publicly confirmed the details of its enforcement actions, Senator Susan Collins said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem informed her that ICE has concluded its enhanced activities in Maine. According to Collins, there are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations in the state, though ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue what she described as their normal operations that have been in place for many years.

Senator Collins said she has urged Secretary Noem and other administration officials to reconsider ICE’s approach to immigration enforcement in Maine and expressed appreciation for the Secretary’s willingness to listen to her concerns. Collins added that she will continue working with the Department of Homeland Security on efforts to combat illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and transnational criminal activity.

Governor Janet Mills, however, sharply criticized the federal operation and rejected the notion that its reported conclusion resolves the harm already caused.

In a statement released Thursday, Governor Mills said the end of ICE’s enhanced operation “does not end the pain and suffering that they have inflicted on communities across our state,” citing families separated, people “terrorized,” and businesses threatened by federal agents.

The Governor raised serious concerns about the reported detention of approximately 200 individuals, noting that many appear to be legally present in the United States, have no criminal record, and do not meet ICE’s stated enforcement priorities. She called for transparency from the federal government, including the identities of those detained, the legal justification for their detention, where they are being held, and what plans exist for their release or removal.

Governor Mills also called for congressional action, citing what she described as “lawless, dangerous conduct” by ICE both in Maine and nationwide. Referencing federal enforcement actions elsewhere in the country — including the killing of two American citizens in Minnesota — Mills urged Congress to hold the Department of Homeland Security accountable. She called for the removal of Secretary Kristi Noem, the rejection of the DHS funding bill, and the implementation of safeguards to prevent abuses of power by federal law enforcement agencies.

“Until there are substantive measures and changes in place, no state — including Maine — is protected from the weaponization of federal law enforcement agencies against its own citizens,” Mills said.

The Governor emphasized that she will continue opposing what she views as intimidation tactics by the Trump Administration. In her recent State of the State address, Mills said, “We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. And to anyone outside these halls, including any federal officials, I say: if you seek to harm Maine people, you will have to go through me first.”

Portland Mayor Mark Dion echoed those concerns in a separate statement addressing ICE activity in the city. Dion praised residents for mobilizing quickly to support affected families and workers, saying their collective action played a critical role in bringing attention to the issue.

“At the same time,” Dion said, “even if it is true that ICE will no longer be conducting a major operation here, it does not make up for the damage already done — the constitutional rights that were violated, the families torn apart, and the many questions that remain unanswered.”

Mayor Dion urged residents to remain vigilant, noting that ICE agents may still be present in the area and that the effects of the operation will continue to be felt across Portland’s immigrant communities.

Despite reports that enhanced enforcement activities have ended, state and local leaders say significant questions remain unanswered, and calls for accountability and reform are expected to continue.