Maine Governor Calls for Transparency Amid Immigration Enforcement Anxiety

Fri Jan 23 2026 14:34:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Governor Janet Mills demands federal immigration officials disclose arrest warrants and information in response to a growing enforcement operation that has left immigrant communities in fear.

In light of a recent immigration enforcement operation in Maine, Governor Janet Mills has challenged federal immigration authorities to provide detailed information regarding arrests and detained individuals. She expressed concerns about the lack of communication and transparency, stating that immigrant communities are increasingly anxious. The operation, which has seen about 50 arrests in its first day, targets approximately 1,400 individuals. Community leaders report families are staying indoors out of fear, leading to school absences and disruptions in businesses dependent on immigrant labor. The governor's calls for information indicate a clash between state authorities and federal enforcement actions.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — In a tense atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement in Maine, Governor Janet Mills has publicly called on federal officials to provide clarity regarding arrest warrants and the details of individuals being detained. With a rise in enforcement actions, the governor emphasized, If they have warrants, show the warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police. This statement came during a news conference where she expressed concern over the secrecy surrounding the operation, which has created anxiety in immigrant communities.

Mills noted that she has not received any communication from President Donald Trump's office regarding the sweeping operation that began earlier this week, which federal officials claim resulted in 50 arrests on the first day and has identified approximately 1,400 targets. Maine currently has a population of 1.4 million, with roughly 4 percent being foreign-born.

This enforcement activity has particularly disturbed cities like Portland and Lewiston, known for their immigrant and refugee populations, predominantly from African nations. Community leaders have reported that many families are remaining indoors, avoiding work, and keeping children home from school out of fear of being detained. Mills expressed frustration at the federal government's lack of information, asking, “What were the orders that came from above? Who’s giving the orders?”

Amidst these heightened fears, Republicans in Maine have urged Mills and Democratic leaders to moderate their rhetoric regarding the enforcement operation. They are seeking discussions with the governor to address the safety of peaceful protests and the protection of law enforcement. However, Mills has pushed back, suggesting skepticism regarding the validity of claims that a large number of immigrants in the state have criminal backgrounds, stating, “Mostly we’re hearing reports of people who have not been engaged in criminal activity.”

The response from Maine's education system has also been impacted, with Portland Public Schools briefly initiating lockouts in response to nearby enforcement activity, although no direct threats were identified. Business sectors relying on immigrant labor are facing disruptions, signaling broader economic implications.

The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have not provided updated statistics or detailed responses to the governor's inquiries. Mills has reiterated the importance of public transparency, asserting that community members have the right to record public law enforcement actions as long as they do not interfere with officers. Maine’s federal prosecutor has urged peaceful demonstrations but warned against interference with federal agents.