On January 25, 2026, Senator Angus King from Maine spoke with Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation.” The conversation addressed a new operation by ICE, targeting certain immigrants, including those from Somalia. The stated goal was to arrest 1,400 individuals labeled as criminal aliens. According to Senator King, about 100 arrests have been made, but he expressed concern that many of those apprehended were innocent people seeking asylum or with legal status.
“ICE is creating fear,” he explained. Families are scared to send their kids to school. Businesses are suffering as workers stay home. The real terror isn’t from criminals, but from the heavy-handed tactics used by ICE.
When Brennan asked about the state’s ability to stop these actions, King emphasized the importance of communication with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He noted the bureaucratic hurdles he faces just to get answers. It’s frustrating when the people of his state deserve better.
Looking ahead, Brennan mentioned that Maine plans to enact a law restricting local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration efforts. King agreed that the key issue isn’t whether to enforce the law but how to do it. He compared the current practice to the Obama administration’s policies, which, according to him, were effective without causing widespread fear.
The situation impacts Washington too. King indicated he would vote against any funding bill that includes support for ICE under these circumstances. This stance could potentially lead to a government shutdown, a scenario he hopes to avoid.
He believes there’s a more constructive way to handle the situation, suggesting that Congress could separate ICE funding from other appropriations. This way, most of the government could continue to function while addressing concerns about ICE’s actions.
Finally, he acknowledged that while he sees ICE as law enforcement, their approach has raised serious questions. He referenced a local sheriff’s criticism, calling it “bush league policing,” which captures the sentiment of many who feel intimidated.
In this landscape, where tensions run high, the need for a balanced approach to immigration enforcement is clear. As policies evolve, the voices of those affected become increasingly important. The impacts are not just political; they resonate in homes and communities across the nation.
For more insights on immigration policy and safety, you can refer to Pew Research for the latest statistics and research findings.
