Maine Governor Demands Clarity Amid Federal Immigration Enforcement Surge

Tue Feb 03 2026 00:00:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Governor Janet Mills urges federal officials to provide transparent information regarding immigration enforcement that has instigated fear in Maine's immigrant communities.

Maine Governor Janet Mills is calling on federal immigration officials to disclose details about their recent enforcement operation, which has led to increased anxiety in immigrant communities. With reports of arrests and heightened fear, Mills questions the motives behind the operation and seeks clarification on the targets involved. Community leaders are concerned about the impact on local families and businesses as schools and households go on high alert.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — In a press conference on Thursday, Governor Janet Mills challenged federal immigration officials to be transparent about the ongoing immigration enforcement operation in Maine, which has left many in the state's immigrant communities feeling fearful and uncertain.

“If they have warrants, show the warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police,” Mills said, as she expressed concerns over the lack of communication from federal officials regarding the identities and locations of detainees.

Recent reports indicated that around 50 arrests were made on the first day of the operation, aimed at approximately 1,400 individuals in a state where the immigrant population is largely peaceful and integrated into the local economy.

Since the operation's launch this week, community leaders from cities such as Portland and Lewiston, which host significant immigrant populations from Africa and elsewhere, report that fear has led families to stay indoors and even keep children out of school. Mills questioned the justification for targeting Maine specifically, asking, “Why Maine? Why now?”

Mills' call for information comes as officials from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not provided detailed updates or information regarding the nature of the enforcement. The Governor emphasized, “We want to hear about any evidence of criminal activity, but we are mainly hearing reports of individuals who are not engaged in any crime.”

Local school districts have heightened alertness, with some schools implementing temporary lockouts amid concerns over nearby enforcement activities, although these were lifted after no threats were identified.

Democrats in Maine have sharply criticized the operation, citing unnecessary disruptions in a state with relatively few illegal immigrants. Mills highlighted the essential role of immigrant communities in Maine’s economy and called for respect and understanding amidst the enforcement's anxiety-inducing nature.

While Mills has encouraged peaceful demonstrations and affirmed that citizens may record law enforcement activities legally, she stressed the push for better communication from federal agencies to ensure community safety and transparency.