Maine Governor Questions Federal Immigration Operations Amid Community Concerns

Fri Jan 23 2026 01:07:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Governor Janet Mills of Maine expresses alarm over federal immigration enforcement actions, calling for transparency amidst growing anxiety in immigrant communities.

Governor Janet Mills has voiced significant concerns regarding recent federal immigration enforcement operations in Maine, which have stirred anxiety within local immigrant communities. Mills has requested that federal officials provide clear information about arrest warrants and the scope of the crackdown, stating that many families are now hesitant to go about their daily lives for fear of arrest. Critics argue that the enforcement action is unwarranted, especially in a state with a relatively small undocumented population. The situation reflects a broader dialogue surrounding immigration practices in the U.S.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Governor Janet Mills has raised concerns over a sweeping federal immigration enforcement operation currently taking place in Maine, urging federal officials to clarify the details of the operation as fears mount within immigrant communities.

At a recent news conference, Mills stated, “If they have warrants, show the warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police.” This call for transparency comes as state officials remain largely uninformed about the whereabouts and circumstances of those being detained.

The operation, which has reportedly begun with approximately 50 arrests on its first day, aims to target an estimated 1,400 individuals, raising alarm especially in cities like Portland and Lewiston, where significant immigrant populations reside. Activists and community leaders have reported a heightened atmosphere of fear, compelling families to remain indoors and keep children out of school.

Mills has criticized the operation's lack of clarity, questioning why Maine is a focus of federal enforcement and what the underlying driving forces are. “We have reached out, we’ve asked questions. We have no answers,” she lamented.

The political response within the state has been mixed. Maine Republicans have advised the governor to temper rhetoric regarding the enforcement operation, advocating for a unified approach to law enforcement and community safety.

Concerns about the impacts of the enforcement actions extend to local schools, with reports indicating that some districts have gone on heightened alert. Two Portland Public Schools even briefly enacted a lockdown. Community support for immigrant workers is also wavering as businesses report labor shortages due to the anxiety surrounding the enforcement action.

Mills expressed disbelief at claims that a significant number of individuals in Maine have criminal charges, emphasizing, “Mostly we’re hearing reports of people who have not been engaged in criminal activity.”

As the situation unfolds, various community stakeholders continue to advocate for immigrant rights and seek to protect vulnerable populations from arbitrary actions that threaten family structures and livelihoods.