(The Center Square) — Federal immigration authorities have descended on Maine as part of President Donald Trump’s nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said they have launched “Operation Catch of the Day,” a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Maine “targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who have terrorized communities.” More than 50 “illegal aliens” have been arrested since the operation got underway on Tuesday, a federal agency said.
“Governor Mills and her fellow sanctuary politicians in Maine have made it abundantly clear that they would rather stand with criminal illegal aliens than protect law-abiding American citizens,” Tricia McLaughlin, assistant DHS secretary, said in a statement.
McLaughlin said on Wednesday authorities arrested “illegal aliens charged and convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.” Those detained included Dominic Ali, a Sudanese national convicted on charges of false imprisonment, aggravated assault, obstructing justice, and violation of a protective order, according to the federal agency.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are no longer allowing criminal illegal aliens to terrorize American citizens,” McLaughlin said.
The state’s top Democrats, who last week warned residents in Portland and Lewiston of the impending immigration raids, criticized the Trump administration for targeting the state and vowed to push back against any aggressive tactics.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills took to social media Wednesday night to confirm that ICE has “ramped up” immigration enforcement in the state, “leaving many fearful of what’s to come.”
“Together, we will continue to place the safety and civil rights of Maine people above all else, and remain vigilant in our defense of due process and the rule of law,” Mills said.
Secretary of State Sheena Bellows, a Democrat who is running for governor, also criticized the ICE operation as “unconscionable” and pointed out that Maine is ranked as one of the safest states in the nation.
“There can be no pretense that ICE is here to keep us safe; they are here to stoke fears, play political games, and try to destroy the Maine spirit,” she said in a statement. “Our immigrant neighbors make our communities stronger, and they are a critical part of what makes Maine the best place to live.”
ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde told Fox News that ICE agents have already apprehended at least 50 suspects. Hyde said the agency is seeking about 1,400 individuals in the state, and also criticized the state’s Democrats for trying to impede the operation.
“We have approximately 1,400 targets here in Maine, ranging from rape of a child to drug trafficking, sexual assault, simple assaults, DUI, you name it, they’re on the target list,” Hyde said.
Maine Republicans have blamed Mills and other top Democrats for encouraging the immigration crackdown by passing a “sanctuary” state law restricting cooperation with federal authorities.
State Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, encouraged Mainers to “stay calm” and not to get into ICE’s way while it conducts the operation.
“Folks, calm down about all this ICE stuff,” Faulkingham posted on social media. “Calm down about all this federal law enforcement. They are doing their jobs. These men and women are professionals. Stay out of the way of law enforcement operations, or you’re gonna get somebody hurt.”
