U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced Thursday (January 29) that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has halted its large-scale enforcement surge in Maine, following direct talks with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The decision comes after more than 200 arrests in the state and widespread criticism about the scope and tactics of the operation.
“There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here,” Collins said. She credited her direct conversations with Noem for helping to end the enhanced enforcement efforts, which began over a week ago. ICE’s surge, known as “Operation Catch of the Day,” was launched January 20 and targeted what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called “the worst of the worst criminals.” However, state officials and advocates said many detained individuals had no criminal records and were pursuing lawful immigration processes.
Neither DHS nor ICE has confirmed the end of the operation or explained how future enforcement in Maine might change.. Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree and Governor Janet Mills both stated they have not received official confirmation from federal authorities. Mills, who is running against Collins in the next Senate race, said, “The reported end…does not end the pain and suffering that they have inflicted on communities across our state—people who have been terrorized, mothers who have been separated from their children, businesses who have been threatened, all by their own government.”
The enforcement surge sparked protests and came amid national debate over immigration policies, especially after recent fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota. The controversy led to bipartisan calls for more oversight and, in some cases, for Secretary Noem’s resignation.
Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a central role in discussions as Congress faces a funding deadline that could result in a partial government shutdown. She has not joined other Senate Republicans calling for Noem to step down but vowed to keep working with the Secretary on efforts to address illegal immigration and related crime.
While the immediate surge has ended, normal ICE and Customs and Border Protection operations will continue in Maine. Advocates say the impact on local communities will be long-lasting, and legal aid groups are still assisting those affected by the recent arrests. There is no guarantee that large-scale ICE operations will not occur in the future.
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