PORTLAND, Maine — The Trump administration has expanded its immigration enforcement operations to Maine through a controversial initiative dubbed ‘Operation Catch of the Day,’ drawing significant opposition from local governments and communities. Despite Maine’s relatively small population of undocumented residents, the state hosts substantial African refugee communities in Portland and Lewiston that have become primary targets of this enforcement surge.
The Department of Homeland Security’s operation follows similar pattern-based initiatives in other states, including ‘Metro Surge’ in Minnesota and ‘Midway Blitz’ in Chicago. The deployment has triggered widespread anxiety within immigrant communities, prompting organized resistance from civic leaders, educational institutions, and local businesses.
Governor Janet Mills and Democratic officials have mounted substantial opposition, including the state’s refusal to provide undercover license plates to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a longstanding Trump critic, explicitly denied federal requests for confidential vehicle identification, citing concerns about potential misuse following similar controversies in Illinois.
Community response has been immediate and multifaceted. Portland residents have established neighborhood alert networks to monitor ICE movements, while local businesses have displayed signage prohibiting ICE agents from their premises. The Portland Public School district, where more than half of students identify as non-white, has developed contingency plans for online learning and implemented temporary security ‘lockouts’ due to immigration enforcement activities.
City Council Member Pious Ali, originally from Ghana, reported approximately 25% absenteeism among immigrant students and described how fear has permeated essential workforce sectors. ‘Immigrants work in our hospitals, schools, and hotels—they are part of the economic engine of our community,’ Ali emphasized, criticizing the administration’s approach for generating unnecessary trauma.
Homeland Security officials confirmed approximately 1,400 enforcement targets in Maine, with initial arrests including individuals convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and child endangerment. However, local leaders including Portland Mayor Mark Dion have challenged the operation’s proportionality, stating ‘There is no evidence of unchecked criminal activity in our community requiring a disproportionate presence of federal agents.’
The political confrontation extends beyond immediate enforcement concerns. Bellows previously attempted to remove Trump from Maine’s presidential ballot under the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause and recently refused to share state voter rolls with federal authorities. Republican leaders argue that withholding undercover plates compromises public safety, while federal prosecutor Andrew Benson—a Trump appointee—has urged demonstrators to maintain peaceful conduct amid growing tensions.