Maine, known as the whitest state in the US, is feeling a big impact from recent immigration enforcement actions. The Trump administration’s “Operation Catch of the Day” has left many residents anxious. Launched on January 21, this operation aims to detain “criminal illegal aliens.” But critics say it’s causing unnecessary fear and pain.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican facing re-election, claims the operation has ended at her request. However, many Mainers are skeptical of her statement. “People here don’t trust this will last,” said Matt Schlobohm, executive director of the Maine AFL-CIO. “You can’t turn a tiger into a vegetarian.”
Reports of racial profiling are growing. Local workers feel uneasy. Kelli Brennan, a nurse, shared a troubling experience. While driving with a naturalized co-worker, they encountered ICE agents. One agent taunted them, saying he would arrest more families. “We were stunned,” Brennan recalled. Despite Collins’ comments, she feels ICE is still actively present and causing distress in the community.
The immigrant population in Maine, though small—about 56,000 people—makes up roughly 4% of the state’s residents. A report showed a significant rise in ICE detentions throughout 2025, often involving individuals without criminal records. This operation is stoking fear; people are hesitant to leave their homes or go to work.
On one occasion, Derek Ellis, a construction worker, witnessed a disturbing arrest in a grocery store parking lot. A woman was taken away in front of her child, yelling that she was a US citizen. “That was just straight-up racial profiling,” he said.
The external effects of ICE’s increased presence don’t just stop at fear. Local businesses and health services have faced challenges. Todd Chretien, a local organizer, spoke about how many workers have stayed home. “ICE’s impact has been devastating for the economy here,” he noted.
Micheline Kabakodi Ntumba, a custodian and single mother of four, was one of those detained. Fundraising efforts for her legal fees have already surpassed $38,000, highlighting community support for those affected.
Even as these issues unfold, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defends its actions. A spokesperson claimed that allegations of racial profiling are baseless, insisting that ICE is simply enforcing immigration laws. But many residents remain unconvinced, arguing that the operation feels like an occupation.
Recent polls show Collins is one of the least popular senators, with 54% of people disapproving of her performance. This could significantly affect her re-election chances. Political figures like Graham Platner and Governor Janet Mills have spoken out against ICE’s methods, indicating a growing discontent with the current administration’s approach to immigration.
As tensions rise, the residents of Maine are coming together. They’re forming support networks to help each other navigate this turbulent time, showing resilience in the face of fear.
For anyone interested in further details about immigration policies and their impacts, you can check out resources from the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition for comprehensive insights.
