Diverging Views on ICE Arrests Ignite Debate in Maine's Senate Race

Sat Jan 24 2026 00:14:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Maine's governor Janet Mills and Senator Susan Collins express contrasting opinions on the recent uptick in ICE arrests. Mills demands transparency, while Collins advocates for lawful enforcement.

As immigration arrests surge in Maine, Democratic Governor Janet Mills has criticized ICE's actions, demanding clarity and accountability concerning detainees. In contrast, Republican Senator Susan Collins suggests that legal immigrants shouldn't be targeted but supports the enforcement against those who have committed crimes. This divide emerges as both political figures are engaged in a significant Senate race that could shape the state's future and the broader political landscape.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — In a striking contrast amid a high-profile Senate race, Maine's leading Republican and Democratic officials have expressed sharply divergent views regarding a recent surge in arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Democratic Governor Janet Mills has called on ICE to provide judicial warrants and real-time arrest figures, as well as basic information on who is being detained in the state. She asserted, “Maine will not be intimidated, and the reckless actions that we’ve seen ICE turn to will not be tolerated here in Maine.”

Conversely, Republican Senator Susan Collins refrained from condemning ICE's tactics, stating that legal residents should not be targeted in enforcement operations. Collins proposed measures like body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE agents to enhance accountability.

While protests are being organized against ICE actions, Collins urged protestors to respect law enforcement operations. “There are people in Maine and elsewhere who have entered this country illegally and who have engaged in criminal activity,” she noted.

The tension from these differing perspectives is particularly palpable as Mills prepares for a potential Senate bid against Collins, amid a backdrop of concerned community members responding to ICE's new enforcement actions.

ICE's recently launched 'Operation Catch of the Day' reportedly targets around 1,400 individuals, invoking fear within immigrant communities in Maine, particularly in cities with significant migrant populations. Community leaders report that families are choosing to stay indoors, avoiding work, and keeping children at home from school due to fears of potential arrests.

As the situation evolves, both Mills and Collins could find their political futures shaped not just by the Senate race, but also by the pressing issues surrounding immigration enforcement policies in Maine.