Maine Governor Demands Federal Data as Immigration Arrests Increase Statewide

Gov. Janet Mills calls for transparency after ICE operations trigger community concern and school alerts across southern Maine

By: Haitian Prime News|January 22, 2026|Augusta, Maine

Maine Governor Janet Mills on Thursday publicly requested detailed information from federal authorities regarding a recent surge in immigration enforcement operations across the state, as concern grows among residents, local officials, and immigrant communities.

The governor said her administration has asked federal agencies to provide arrest warrants, real-time arrest numbers, and detainee information connected to ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Maine. Mills stated that neither the White House nor the Department of Homeland Security has responded to her requests or returned her calls.

The enforcement activity follows the launch of a federal initiative known as “Operation Catch of the Day,” announced earlier this week by the Trump administration. According to DHS, the operation aims to intensify immigration enforcement and target individuals described as “the worst of the worst.” Federal officials have not publicly released detailed criteria or comprehensive data supporting that characterization.

Video footage and on-the-ground reporting documented ICE agents operating in Westbrook and South Portland. Federal officials acknowledged that approximately 50 arrests were made on Tuesday, including individuals who reportedly do not have criminal records, prompting questions from state and local leaders about the scope of the operation.

In response to the enforcement activity, the Mills administration said it is working with municipal officials and community organizations to monitor developments and address public safety concerns. Several school districts implemented brief precautionary lockouts after reports of nearby federal enforcement activity.

As of Thursday, DHS and ICE had not issued public statements addressing the governor’s data requests or clarifying how many individuals remain in custody, where detainees are being held, or whether additional operations are planned in Maine.

The timing of the operation has also drawn political attention, as the enforcement surge began while Governor Mills was traveling out of state. Democrats criticized the federal government’s lack of communication and transparency, warning that the enforcement actions have heightened fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities, particularly in Portland and Lewiston.

State officials said they will continue pressing for information as the situation develops.

Sources

Ground News summary

On-the-ground video and eyewitness reports

Office of Maine Governor Janet Mills