In a move signaling a major escalation in immigration enforcement, former President Donald Trump has directed ICE agents to begin detaining Somali migrants in Maine.
The operation, officially called “Operation Catch of the Day,” kicked off this week in the state’s two largest cities, Portland and Lewiston, drawing attention and concern from local communities.
ICE Moves Swiftly in Urban Centers
Federal officials confirmed that arrests were made on the very first day of the operation.
According to Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, agents are targeting individuals who may be in the country unlawfully.
Meanwhile, local officials are bracing for a ramp-up in enforcement over the coming days.
Federal Warning Against Interference
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maine issued a stark reminder to residents, cautioning that obstructing ICE agents, assaulting federal officers, or destroying government property is a federal crime.
Andrew Benson, Maine’s U.S. Attorney, emphasized that anyone attempting to block enforcement actions will face prosecution to the full extent of the law.
Maine’s Somali Community Feels the Impact
Maine has been home to a Somali population since the early 2000s, growing significantly during the Biden administration’s asylum resettlement programs.
The news of ICE operations has sparked fear across immigrant communities, particularly in Portland.
City Council member Pious Ali, an immigrant from Ghana, highlighted the ripple effects: “Our schools have seen about a quarter of immigrants not showing up.
There are immigrants who work in our hospitals, our schools, and our hotels—they are a key part of the economic engine of our community.”
Ali and other community leaders stress that federal authorities could contact individuals without creating widespread fear among residents, noting the heavy emotional and social toll the operation is taking.
Rural State Faces National Spotlight
Maine, with roughly 1.4 million residents, is not typically in the center of national immigration debates.
Yet the arrival of ICE agents underscores the Trump administration’s continued push for mass deportation measures, even in states with smaller immigrant populations.
Observers see this as part of a broader strategy to demonstrate enforcement nationwide, regardless of local opposition.
National Context and Protests
The operation comes amid ongoing tensions in other parts of the country, including Minneapolis, where ICE enforcement has faced protests following the fatal shooting of Renee Good.
Officials say Maine’s sweep is a clear indication that the administration is doubling down on its immigration agenda, signaling that rural and urban communities alike are now potential targets for federal enforcement actions.
What Comes Next
As ICE continues its work in Portland, Lewiston, and potentially beyond, local officials, advocacy groups, and community members are preparing for heightened tension.
Schools, workplaces, and local services are adjusting to absenteeism among immigrant residents, while federal authorities maintain that arrests will continue and legal repercussions for interference will be strictly enforced.
The coming weeks may provide a clearer picture of how far the operation will extend and what long-term effects it may have on Maine’s Somali and broader immigrant communities.
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