ICE Operations Persist in Maine; Mills Compares Agents to ‘Secret Police’
The recent immigration operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Maine have sparked significant controversy and concern within local communities. As part of “Operation Catch of the Day,” federal officials have intensified immigration enforcement, leading to widespread reports of detentions across Greater Portland and Lewiston.
Operation Overview
“Operation Catch of the Day” marks a significant escalation in enforcement efforts. Federal officials claim the operation targets the most serious criminal illegal aliens. However, reports indicate many detained individuals have no criminal records. This situation has raised alarm among immigrant communities and local leaders.
Local Reactions
Governor Janet Mills condemned the ICE operations. During a press briefing at Portland City Hall, she likened ICE agents to “secret police,” expressing outrage over the lack of transparency and communication regarding the raids. Mills emphasized that many individuals being arrested do not have criminal backgrounds.
Impact on Community Services
- Westbrook Families Feeding Families, a nonprofit, has reported increased demand for food assistance.
- Local businesses are witnessing heightened anxiety among customers, particularly immigrants, who fear leaving their homes.
Joe Salisbury, co-founder of the food pantry, highlighted the urgent need to help families affected by these operations, stating that many are “sheltering in place” due to fear of arrest.
Specific Incidents of Detention
- An 18-year-old University of Southern Maine student was detained in Westbrook, reportedly without any criminal history.
- Yanick Joao Carneiro, an Angolan asylum seeker, was arrested during a routine check-in and subsequently moved to Massachusetts.
- Multiple reports indicate that ICE agents have made arrests in various locations, including Biddeford, South Portland, Portland, and Scarborough.
Community Support and Advocacy
The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) has urged families of detainees to seek legal assistance swiftly, especially before potential transfers to out-of-state facilities. This is crucial as many detainees are asylum seekers with no prior criminal records.
Policing and Legal Concerns
Concerns over racial profiling and the legality of ICE’s tactics have been expressed. ICE has broadened its authority to conduct operations without judicial warrants, raising significant Fourth Amendment issues and igniting fears within immigrant communities.
Political Reactions
The political landscape surrounding these operations is fraught with tension. House Assistant Minority Leader Katrina Smith called for a reduction in inflammatory rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and safety for all community members.
Meanwhile, Republican Party Chair Jim Deyermond criticized Democrats for encouraging anti-ICE sentiments, arguing that such rhetoric could lead to panic and violence. The escalating situation underscores the deep divisions regarding immigration enforcement in Maine.
Conclusion
Maine’s communities are currently facing an unprecedented level of anxiety due to ICE operations. The implications of “Operation Catch of the Day” are profound, affecting not just those directly targeted but the broader immigrant population in Maine.
