PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine confirmed Thursday that federal immigration officials have terminated their 'enhanced operations' in the state, which had resulted in an enforcement surge due to aggressive immigration tactics that reportedly led to more than 100 arrests last week. Collins, a member of the Republican Party, made the announcement following a series of direct communications with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, expressing concerns about the large-scale ICE operations initially targeting around 1,400 people in Maine, a state with a population of 1.4 million, of which 4% are foreign-born.
There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here, Collins stated, urging the administration to reconsider its immigration enforcement strategy.
This announcement comes in the wake of several public outcries and protests against the enforcement tactics following a spike in arrests triggered by ICE's 'Catch of the Day' operation. Collins added that both ICE and border patrol officials will continue their standard operational procedures as they have for many years, but tensions remain after President Trump's comments indicated a willingness to ease such enforcement actions following recent incidents involving federal immigration agents.
The backdrop of this announcement highlights ongoing debates and challenges surrounding immigration policy in the region, particularly as Collins approaches her reelection campaign, where she may face off against Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who has voiced significant apprehensions over ICE's actions. Mills has demanded transparency regarding the arrests, questioning the legitimacy of detentions without judicial warrants.
As public sentiment becomes increasingly important in these discussions, Collins has advocated for policies to enhance accountability within ICE, including the use of body cameras and de-escalation training to build trust in communities affected by immigration enforcement.
There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here, Collins stated, urging the administration to reconsider its immigration enforcement strategy.
This announcement comes in the wake of several public outcries and protests against the enforcement tactics following a spike in arrests triggered by ICE's 'Catch of the Day' operation. Collins added that both ICE and border patrol officials will continue their standard operational procedures as they have for many years, but tensions remain after President Trump's comments indicated a willingness to ease such enforcement actions following recent incidents involving federal immigration agents.
The backdrop of this announcement highlights ongoing debates and challenges surrounding immigration policy in the region, particularly as Collins approaches her reelection campaign, where she may face off against Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who has voiced significant apprehensions over ICE's actions. Mills has demanded transparency regarding the arrests, questioning the legitimacy of detentions without judicial warrants.
As public sentiment becomes increasingly important in these discussions, Collins has advocated for policies to enhance accountability within ICE, including the use of body cameras and de-escalation training to build trust in communities affected by immigration enforcement.
