PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The race for Maine's Senate seat intensified on Friday as the state’s top politicians took contrasting stances on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that have sparked public outcry.
Democratic Governor Janet Mills has urged ICE to provide judicial warrants and real-time updates about detentions following a wave of arrests that critics describe as excessive. Mills emphasized, Maine will not be intimidated, and the reckless actions of ICE will not be tolerated here.
On the other hand, Senator Susan Collins has refrained from directly criticizing ICE, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that legal residents are not impacted by enforcement efforts. Collins underscored her support for body cameras and de-escalation training for agents to foster accountability.
As protests against ICE began to organize across Maine, Collins called on demonstrators to respect law enforcement procedures during their gatherings. She stated, “There are individuals who have entered this country illegally and engaged in criminal activities; they could face legal action.”
Mills, who is stepping down as governor, is seeking to succeed Collins in the upcoming election. Her primary challenger, Graham Platner, has voiced strong opposition to ICE's tactics, alleging that arrests target individuals who are legally residing in the state.
ICE’s Operation Catch of the Day, initiated recently, aims to detain individuals deemed a threat based on prior criminal records, according to Homeland Security representatives. This campaign has raised concerns among local communities, particularly in areas with significant immigrant populations.
As anxiety spreads across neighborhoods, families express fear of arrest, limiting their daily activities and keeping children at home. One immigrant reportedly faced threats from ICE agents while asserting his legal status in the U.S.
Community members are rallying to organize further protests, viewing the situation as an infringement upon their rights and safety. Engaging in acts of solidarity, residents are determined to showcase their support for affected families and challenge the intensity of ICE operations.
