Operation 'Catch of the Day': Maine Faces Mass Deportation Anxiety

Thu Jan 22 2026 02:52:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Maine have instilled fear in local immigrant communities, particularly in Portland and Lewiston, sparking political backlash and community concern.

The Trump administration's new ICE operation, 'Catch of the Day', is aimed at deporting illegal residents in Maine, where incidents of immigration arrests have heightened anxiety among local communities, especially immigrants from Africa. Community leaders and political figures, including Governor Janet Mills, are urging for a halt on aggressive enforcement tactics that disregard civil rights, raising public safety concerns.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Trump administration is launching a mass deportation effort in Maine, a state with a relatively small number of undocumented residents but a significant population of refugees, particularly from Africa, raising serious concerns in local communities.

Reports of recent immigration arrests over the past week have sparked fear among immigrant communities in Portland and Lewiston. Governor Janet Mills, along with other Democratic leaders, has responded with criticism of the federal operation and has refused requests to assist ICE in covert operations by issuing undercover license plates.

The Department of Homeland Security's initiative, dubbed 'Catch of the Day', has signaled a concentrated effort to arrest an estimated 1,000 individuals in Maine, aiming to target those with criminal records. However, such aggressive enforcement has drawn backlash.

Portland and Lewiston host large populations of African descent, especially Somali immigrants, who have settled in the state since the early 2000s. Pious Ali, a city council member and native of Ghana, stated, 'Our schools have seen about a quarter of immigrants not showing up,' indicating the widespread impact on daily life and work.

As the state faces this unprecedented wave of enforcement actions, local leaders emphasize the need for a civil dialogue rather than fear tactics. City and school leaders have expressed that such actions only serve to increase community anxiety and disrupt local economies.

'There is no evidence of unchecked criminal activity in our community that warrants such a heavy federal presence,' said Portland Mayor Mark Dion, further reiterating calls for peace amidst escalating tensions.

Governor Mills noted that such actions undermine civil rights and are unwelcome in Maine. Meanwhile, immigration enforcement actions have led to widespread demonstrations and calls for caution from both community groups and state officials.

Community tension continues to grow as the Biden administration's stance remains heavily scrutinized against a backdrop of political unrest surrounding immigration policies, leading many to question the integrity and humanity of such enforcement initiatives.