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The Trump administration has launched a new immigration enforcement operation in Maine, drawing sharp criticism from state leaders and immigrant advocacy groups as federal agents increase their presence in refugee-rich communities. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the initiative—called “Operation Catch of the Day”—began earlier this week and is aimed at identifying and arresting criminal offenders.
More than 100 federal immigration agents were deployed to Maine, a state known for its long-established refugee populations, including Somali communities. While DHS maintains that the operation targets individuals with criminal backgrounds, a former immigration official said the focus would include refugees, raising concerns among local leaders and residents.
Maine Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, publicly opposed the operation, describing the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics as “not welcome” in the state. Her comments come amid heightened political stakes, as she campaigns for a U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Susan Collins ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Since mid-2025, President Donald Trump has ramped up immigration enforcement in Democratic-led states, deploying thousands of federal agents to places like Minnesota. The administration argues that the intensified crackdown is necessary to combat crime, although critics point to data showing that many individuals arrested lack criminal convictions.
Trump has previously drawn controversy for remarks about Somali immigrants, particularly after a fraud case involving Somali Americans in Minnesota. His comments have further fueled tensions in communities like Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city, where Somali refugees have lived for decades.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline confirmed an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and condemned what he described as intimidation tactics. He emphasized the city’s commitment to dignity and inclusion for all residents.
Public opinion appears to be shifting, with recent Reuters/Ipsos polls showing declining support for Trump’s immigration approach. Protests and clashes between federal agents and demonstrators, along with a fatal shooting involving an ICE officer in Minneapolis, have intensified national scrutiny.
DHS officials defended the operation, criticizing Maine’s leadership for limiting cooperation with federal enforcement. The governor’s office has not yet issued a formal response, but immigration policy is expected to remain a central issue in Maine’s political landscape.
