Maine is witnessing an increase in enforcement operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to heightened anxiety within local communities. The initiative, named “Catch of the Day,” targets what the Department of Homeland Security describes as the “worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.” Reports indicate that nearly 50 arrests have been made since the operation began.
Cassandra Linton, who operates a company that provides support for adults with disabilities, expressed deep concern after one of her employees was arrested during the first day of the ICE surge. The employee, originally from Burundi and with a pending asylum claim, was detained while on his way to get food. Linton noted that the majority of her staff are immigrants, many of whom have undergone extensive background checks. She fears for her nonverbal clients, some of whom depend on these caregivers.
On January 21, 2026, in Portland’s Parkside neighborhood, residents reacted to the ICE presence by honking car horns and using whistles to alert others. A local resident identified only as Olivia voiced her frustration, stating, “I just feel like it’s insane that this is allowed to be happening.” The operation has sparked a wave of opposition from local leaders, who argue that the enforcement tactics are dehumanizing.
Mattie Daughtry, the state Senate President, criticized the language used in the operation’s name, expressing concern over its implications. She stated, “Language that compares people to fish to be caught and hauled in is dehumanizing and dangerous.” Meanwhile, Wes Pelletier, a Portland city councilor, characterized the federal actions as “a war of terror” against the city’s residents. At a press conference, he emphasized that the federal government was not invited and reaffirmed Portland’s status as one of the safest cities in the country.
Amid the enforcement activities, local immigrant advocacy groups have urged families to remain indoors, leading to a noticeable drop in school attendance across Portland. Some residents are organizing efforts to provide food and essential items to those sheltering in place.
ICE officials have confirmed that the operation is part of a larger initiative targeting approximately 1,400 individuals in Maine, which accounts for about 10% of the state’s undocumented immigrant population, according to the Migration Policy Institute. The agency’s Deputy Assistant Director, Patricia Hyde, acknowledged the escalation of enforcement activities, stating that the agency is committed to focusing on those with criminal records.
While the exact duration and scope of the current crackdown remain unclear, the situation has ignited significant debate on immigration policy and enforcement practices. As communities grapple with the implications of these actions, the human impact is becoming increasingly evident. Families are left in uncertainty, and local leaders are advocating for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement.
