PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Governor Janet Mills made headlines on Thursday as she challenged federal immigration authorities to provide arrest warrants, real-time numbers of arrests, and basic information about those detained during a sweeping enforcement operation in Maine. Mills expressed her concerns at a news conference, stating that officials were left largely uninformed about the operation, which has instilled fear within immigrant communities across the state.
“If they have warrants, show the warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police,” Mills stated, highlighting the lack of knowledge regarding where detainees are being held. The operation, initiated earlier this week, reportedly arrested about 50 individuals on its first day and has targeted approximately 1,400 people in Maine, which has a population of around 1.4 million residents, of which 4% are foreign-born, many being legal.
The enforcement activity aligns with ongoing tensions in areas like Minnesota, where demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took place following the fatal shooting of an individual by an ICE agent. Community leaders in Maine are increasingly worried as immigrant families adjust their daily lives, keeping children out of school and avoiding work out of fear of being detained.
Mills has been frustrated by the lack of communication from President Donald Trump's office, claiming her calls regarding the operation have gone unanswered. She emphasized her desire for clarity on the operation’s legitimacy and reason for targeting Maine at this time, urging federal officials to answer key questions.
Republicans in Maine, including Assistant House Republican Leader Katrina Smith, have called for a measured discourse around the enforcement operation. They seek to support law enforcement while ensuring public protests remain peaceful and no harm comes to individuals.
Mills declared that she would be shocked if the ICE could substantiate claims of significant criminal activity among Maine's immigrant population. “Mostly we’re hearing reports of people who have not been engaged in criminal activity,” she noted, reiterating the need for evidence if such claims exist.
Schools in cities like Portland and Lewiston have gone 'on alert', limiting access to campuses amid fears of enforcement activities nearby. Mills is seeking a balance between respect for the law and the need for a reasonable approach to law enforcement.
As the operation continues, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have yet to provide updated statistics or details about those detained. Critics across the political spectrum are debating the effectiveness and necessity of the operation amidst a small undocumented population in Maine.
“If they have warrants, show the warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police,” Mills stated, highlighting the lack of knowledge regarding where detainees are being held. The operation, initiated earlier this week, reportedly arrested about 50 individuals on its first day and has targeted approximately 1,400 people in Maine, which has a population of around 1.4 million residents, of which 4% are foreign-born, many being legal.
The enforcement activity aligns with ongoing tensions in areas like Minnesota, where demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took place following the fatal shooting of an individual by an ICE agent. Community leaders in Maine are increasingly worried as immigrant families adjust their daily lives, keeping children out of school and avoiding work out of fear of being detained.
Mills has been frustrated by the lack of communication from President Donald Trump's office, claiming her calls regarding the operation have gone unanswered. She emphasized her desire for clarity on the operation’s legitimacy and reason for targeting Maine at this time, urging federal officials to answer key questions.
Republicans in Maine, including Assistant House Republican Leader Katrina Smith, have called for a measured discourse around the enforcement operation. They seek to support law enforcement while ensuring public protests remain peaceful and no harm comes to individuals.
Mills declared that she would be shocked if the ICE could substantiate claims of significant criminal activity among Maine's immigrant population. “Mostly we’re hearing reports of people who have not been engaged in criminal activity,” she noted, reiterating the need for evidence if such claims exist.
Schools in cities like Portland and Lewiston have gone 'on alert', limiting access to campuses amid fears of enforcement activities nearby. Mills is seeking a balance between respect for the law and the need for a reasonable approach to law enforcement.
As the operation continues, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have yet to provide updated statistics or details about those detained. Critics across the political spectrum are debating the effectiveness and necessity of the operation amidst a small undocumented population in Maine.
