Susan Collins claims 'enhanced ICE operations' in Maine halted after talks with Noem

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Susan Collins of Maine announced on Thursday, January 29, that federal immigration authorities have ended large-scale enforcement operations in the state following more than a week of intensified activity.

The Republican senator said the development came after direct conversations with Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Kristi Noem.

The announcement follows an enforcement surge that resulted in more than 200 arrests across the mostly rural state. Federal agencies are expected to continue routine immigration enforcement operations that have long been in place.

Collins says ICE operations halted after initial surge

Collins said ICE has ceased what officials described as “enhanced operations” in Maine, which began last week under an initiative dubbed “Catch of the Day.”

 In a statement, Collins said she had been in repeated contact with Noem regarding the scope and impact of the enforcement actions. “There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here,” Collins said. “I have been urging Secretary Noem and others in the Administration to get ICE to reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state.”

According to federal officials, the operation resulted in roughly 50 arrests on its first day, with approximately 1,400 individuals identified as operational targets statewide. Maine has a population of about 1.4 million people, with roughly 4% of residents born outside the United States.

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin previously said some of those arrested had been “convicted of horrific crimes including aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.” However, court records later showed that while some detainees had felony convictions, others were individuals with unresolved immigration proceedings or cases in which arrests did not lead to criminal convictions.

Collins emphasized that while enhanced operations have ended, ICE and US Customs and Border Protection “will continue their normal operations that have been ongoing here for many years.” 

Political response and ongoing criticism

The enforcement surge and its conclusion have unfolded against a charged political backdrop in Maine, where Collins is seeking reelection this year. Unlike some Republican colleagues facing competitive races, Collins has not called for Noem to resign or be removed from her post.

She has also avoided broad criticism of ICE tactics, stating primarily that individuals who are in the country legally should not be targeted.

Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who announced her Senate candidacy in October and could face Collins in the general election, has pressed immigration officials for greater transparency.

Mills has called for judicial warrants, real-time arrest data, and detailed information about who is being detained in Maine. She also urged Collins to intervene after House Republicans defeated Democratic efforts to reduce ICE funding. 

Meanwhile, first-time Democratic candidate Graham Platner, who is challenging Mills in the primary, has taken a more confrontational stance. Platner has criticized both Mills and Collins for their handling of ICE enforcement and has called for the agency to be dismantled entirely.