ICE Arrests Worst of the Worst During Operation In Maine

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has initiated a sweeping enforcement action across Maine, signaling an aggressive expansion of federal immigration activity under President Donald J. Trump’s second-term administration and its renewed emphasis on interior enforcement targeting criminal illegal aliens.

The operation—dubbed “Operation Catch of the Day”—launched this week in multiple Maine cities, including Portland and Lewiston. Federal officials say the effort is specifically focused on locating and arresting noncitizens who are in the United States unlawfully and who possess serious criminal records, including convictions for violent felonies and crimes involving children.

The enforcement surge follows ongoing clashes between federal authorities and Maine’s state leadership over immigration policy, as well as broader efforts by the Trump administration to confront so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement.

“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,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News. “We have launched Operation Catch of the Day to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in the state.

“On the first day of operations, we arrested illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child,” she added. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are no longer allowing criminal illegal aliens to terrorize American citizens.”

According to ICE officials, approximately 1,400 individuals statewide have been identified as enforcement targets. More than 50 arrests were made on the operation’s first day alone, involving individuals convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, child endangerment, and other felony offenses.

The Department of Homeland Security said the Maine initiative is part of a larger national strategy aimed at prioritizing enforcement against what officials repeatedly describe as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. Similar enforcement actions have already been carried out in states including Minnesota and Ohio. Federal authorities have emphasized that the renewed approach follows years of reduced cooperation from local jurisdictions during prior administrations.

“Those taken into custody include Dominic Ali, a criminal illegal alien from Sudan convicted of false imprisonment, aggravated assault, assault, obstructing justice and violation of a protective order,” Fox noted. “ICE also arrested Ambessa Berhe, a criminal illegal alien from Ethiopia convicted of aggravated assault and cocaine possession.

“Elmara Correia, a criminal illegal alien from Angola who was previously arrested for endangering the welfare of a child, was also taken into custody,” the outlet added.

The stepped-up federal presence has prompted sharp reactions from state and local officials. Critics argue the operation could undermine community trust and fuel fear among immigrant populations, while supporters contend that removing convicted criminals from the streets is a basic public safety responsibility.

Governor Janet Mills and several municipal leaders urged residents to remain calm as the operation proceeds, stressing that immigration enforcement actions are conducted independently of state and local governments. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have mobilized to observe arrests and offer legal assistance to those detained.

Portland Mayor Mark Dion issued a statement last week opposing the deployment of ICE agents in the city.

“Our community is anxious and fearful regarding the understanding that ICE is planning to send agents to Portland and Lewiston next week,” Dion said. “There is no evidence of unchecked criminal activity in our community requiring a disproportionate presence of federal agents. In that view, Portland rejects the need for the deployment of ICE agents into our neighborhoods.”

ICE officials say Operation Catch of the Day is expected to continue for several days and could ultimately result in hundreds of arrests. Those taken into custody will be processed through the immigration court system and, where appropriate, placed into removal proceedings.

The Maine enforcement action comes as part of a broader national push by the Trump administration to increase deportations, strengthen interagency cooperation, and dismantle criminal networks operating across state lines.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Justice has reportedly issued grand jury subpoenas to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and multiple local Democratic officials as part of a federal investigation into whether they improperly obstructed federal immigration enforcement efforts, according to multiple news outlets.