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Maine Governor Demands Transparency as Immigration Raids Spark Fear Among Communities
Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills has publicly challenged federal immigration authorities to provide transparency regarding a sweeping enforcement operation currently underway across the state. During a Thursday news conference, Mills expressed frustration over the lack of information about the operation dubbed “Catch of the Day” by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“If they have warrants, show the warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police,” Mills stated, highlighting her unsuccessful attempts to contact President Trump’s office for clarification on the raids.
Federal officials have reported approximately 50 arrests on the first day of operations, with plans to target roughly 1,400 individuals in Maine—a state with just 1.4 million residents, of whom only 4% are foreign-born. This large-scale operation has raised questions about its scope and purpose.
The enforcement activities have generated significant anxiety throughout Maine’s immigrant communities, particularly in Portland and Lewiston, which host substantial populations from African nations. Community leaders report that fear of arrest has led some families to remain indoors, avoid work, and keep children home from school.
“Why Maine? Why now? What were the orders that came from above? Who’s giving the orders? We’ve reached out, we’ve asked questions. We have no answers,” Mills said, expressing skepticism about ICE’s claim that such a large number of people with criminal charges exist in Maine.
The governor pointed out that the raids have disrupted local businesses dependent on immigrant labor and affected school attendance. “People are being torn from their families and from young children, people who are part of the workforce here in Maine,” she emphasized.
One immigrant affected by the operation is Cristian Vaca, a 28-year-old roofer from Ecuador living legally in Biddeford with his wife and young son. Vaca recounted how ICE agents photographed his home and threatened to “come back for your whole family” despite his legal status. Speaking through a translator, Vaca confirmed he possesses a U.S. Social Security number, work permit, and pays taxes.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have not responded to requests for updated arrest figures or information about detention locations. Previously, DHS described the operation as targeting “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,” citing arrests related to aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and child endangerment convictions.
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce has raised concerns about the arrest of one of his corrections officer recruits, whom he described as “squeaky clean.” The recruit, hired in February 2024, had passed extensive background checks, and his employment eligibility was verified through federally required documentation authorizing him to work in the United States until 2029.
Joyce expressed confusion over ICE’s claim that the man was in the country illegally despite his work authorization and lack of criminal history. The sheriff also criticized the arrest tactics, where multiple agents left the recruit’s vehicle running on a city street after detaining him, calling it “bush-league policing.”
Joyce noted that the operation seems inconsistent with what was outlined during a meeting he attended last year with over 100 sheriffs nationwide and border czar Tom Homan. “The book and the movie don’t add up,” Joyce remarked, explaining that the original plan prioritized removing individuals with serious criminal records.
In response to the raids, a small group of demonstrators gathered outside an ICE field office in Scarborough. In downtown Portland, resident Dave Cowie held a sign reading “Due Process,” expressing concern about people being “snatched off the street, taken to undisclosed locations.”
Maine’s top federal prosecutor has urged that any protests remain peaceful, warning that interfering with federal agents could lead to prosecution. Governor Mills acknowledged respect for the law while questioning the necessity of what she characterized as a heavy-handed approach.
As the operation continues, the lack of transparency and communication from federal authorities remains a significant concern for state officials and community leaders attempting to address the fear rippling through Maine’s immigrant communities.
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9 Comments
I appreciate the governor taking a stand for due process and opposing secret arrests. Immigration is a complex issue, but the government must balance security needs with protecting the rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
These raids seem overly aggressive and lacking in coordination with state and local authorities. The governor is right to push for more information and transparency. A balanced, humane approach to immigration enforcement is needed.
The governor is correct to push for more transparency. Broad immigration sweeps that appear to target specific communities are concerning and can erode trust in law enforcement. A balanced, humane approach is needed.
The governor’s stance in favor of transparency and against secret arrests is commendable. Immigration is a complex challenge, but the government must respect the rights of all residents, regardless of status.
This enforcement operation seems overly broad and heavy-handed. The governor is right to demand transparency from federal authorities. Targeted raids that violate civil liberties and sow fear in immigrant communities are concerning.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities on immigration enforcement. While national security is important, the rights of all residents must be protected. I hope the governor and federal officials can find a constructive solution.
It’s troubling to hear about these raids and the lack of information provided to state and local officials. The scale and timing of this operation raise questions about its real motivations and impact on communities.
The lack of information and cooperation from federal authorities is problematic. The governor is right to demand accountability and transparency. Immigration is a sensitive issue, but civil liberties must be respected.
This news is concerning. I hope the governor and federal officials can work together to find a balanced approach that addresses legitimate security needs while upholding due process and protecting immigrant communities.