**Trump Administration Launches “Catch of the Day” Immigration Enforcement Operation in Maine**
*PORTLAND, Maine* — The Trump administration has initiated a new immigration enforcement campaign targeting Maine, a state known for its relatively small population of undocumented residents but significant African refugee communities in cities like Portland and Lewiston.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) named this operation “Catch of the Day,” a nod to Maine’s well-known seafood industry. This naming follows similar enforcement surges in other states, such as “Patriot” in Massachusetts, “Metro Surge” in Minnesota, and “Midway Blitz” in Chicago.
### Rising Tensions Amid Arrests
Reports of increased immigration arrests have sparked fear throughout immigrant communities in Portland and Lewiston. The wave of enforcement actions has also drawn criticism from Maine’s Governor Janet Mills and several Democratic leaders. Governor Mills expressed strong disapproval, emphasizing that federal agents should show warrants if they have them. However, she condemned the separation of parents and children who have committed no crimes, calling such actions a tactic that “sows intimidation and fear” and “fosters division and suspicion among neighbors.”
In response to these enforcement activities, local citizens have organized networks to alert neighborhoods whenever Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are present and to provide food and supplies to immigrants staying safely at home.
### Community and Officials Respond
Portland’s superintendent revealed that the school district is developing an online learning plan to accommodate students amid these concerns, noting that over half of the district’s students are non-white.
Many local businesses have displayed signs declaring that ICE agents are not welcome. Portland Mayor Mark Dion, speaking at a news conference alongside other city officials, voiced respect for the law but criticized the paramilitary approach taken by immigration authorities. “This council doesn’t stand apart from our immigrant communities; we stand with them,” Dion affirmed.
Portland and Lewiston are home to thousands of residents of African descent, with Somali immigration significantly increasing in the early 2000s. Maine now has one of the nation’s largest Somali populations.
City council member Pious Ali, originally from Ghana, highlighted the disruptive impact of immigration enforcement on daily life. He noted a 25% drop in immigrant student attendance at schools and widespread fear among immigrant workers in hospitals, schools, and hotels — vital parts of the local economy. Ali urged federal authorities to avoid causing trauma through aggressive tactics such as smashing doors, pointing out that “the federal government has the ability to contact these people without unleashing fear into our communities.”
Portland Councilor Wes Pelletier added that community members, including business owners, teachers, and college students, have been sharing information about enforcement activities. Volunteers have also been delivering groceries and diapers to families too frightened to leave their homes. “Every arrest feels like a wound to Portland,” Pelletier said.
### Details of the Enforcement Operation
The enforcement campaign has arrived in Maine, a mostly rural state with approximately 1.4 million residents, amid ongoing tensions between ICE and demonstrators in other states like Minnesota—where ICE is under scrutiny following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an agent.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that increased enforcement began on Tuesday. Patricia Hyde, ICE’s deputy assistant director, told Fox News that the agency has identified approximately 1,400 targets in Maine and reported 50 arrests on the first day of the operation.
“We have launched Operation Catch of the Day to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in the state,” said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “On the first day of operations, we arrested illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.”
### Controversy Over Undercover License Plates
State officials have declined a request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue confidential undercover Maine license plates, commonly used on unmarked vehicles. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said she requires more assurance that such plates would be used appropriately.
Bellows expressed concern after reports of ICE’s conduct in other states, particularly Illinois, where the Secretary of State warned ICE agents that swapping or altering license plates is illegal.
“These requests, in light of rumors about ICE deployment to Maine and reported abuses of power elsewhere, raise concerns,” Bellows stated. She added that while existing plates have not been revoked, the issuance of new undercover plates is on hold pending further assurances.
Maine Republicans disagree with this stance. Senate Leader Trey Stewart warned that withholding undercover plates could jeopardize public safety and said, “That really, one, puts us at odds as a state. Puts us at one end of an extreme that we really shouldn’t be on.”
### Calls for Peace and Caution
U.S. Attorney Andrew Benson, Maine’s top federal prosecutor and a Trump appointee, urged the public to remain peaceful during any demonstrations concerning the immigration enforcement in the state. Benson cautioned that those who interfere with ICE agents risk prosecution.
Portland Public Schools, the state’s largest and most diverse district, reported conducting “lockouts” at two schools on Tuesday due to concerns about nearby ICE activity. The lockouts lasted minutes after officials determined there was no immediate threat. The district noted that tension in the community remains high amid growing reports and rumors of immigration enforcement actions.
### Political Reactions
Maine Democrats have strongly condemned the enforcement operations.
“The Trump administration has deployed ICE agents to Portland, Lewiston, and possibly other Maine communities. This is not about public safety. It is about fear, control, and political theater,” said Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party.
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*Reporting contributed by Associated Press journalist Leah Willingham from Boston.*
https://abc11.com/story/ice-activity-increases-maine-anxiety-grows-immigrant-communities/18445584/