ICE Operations in Maine Raise Concerns Over Detained Immigrants

Wed Feb 04 2026 10:27:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent ICE enforcement actions in Maine, including detention of over 100 individuals, have sparked debate over the classification of those arrested as 'dangerous criminals.' Local officials and immigration advocates question the accuracy of these claims amid reports of detainees with minor offenses or unresolved immigration status.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a major operation in Maine, detaining over 100 individuals labeled as 'dangerous criminals.' However, court records reveal a more complex situation, indicating that many detainees had minor offenses or ongoing immigration proceedings. Local officials, including Portland's mayor, have raised concerns over the classification and treatment of those arrested, highlighting cases of individuals arrested but not convicted of serious crimes. Attorneys are now filing petitions for the detained individuals to challenge their arrests.

PORTLAND, Maine — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has recently highlighted its enforcement operations in Maine, claiming to detain some of the state's most dangerous criminals. The operation, termed 'Operation Catch of the Day,' reportedly resulted in the arrest of over 100 individuals across the state. ICE asserts that these included individuals with serious convictions, such as child abuse and violent crimes.

However, court records tell a different story, indicating a mixture of individuals, including those with minor offenses or unresolved immigration proceedings. For instance, while ICE pointed to the case of Dominic Ali, who has serious charges against him, other individuals identified in the operation had either never been convicted of a crime or had only faced minor charges.

Local officials, including Portland Mayor Mark Dion, voiced their concerns at a recent news conference, questioning the labels used by ICE. Dion stated, 'Was she found not guilty, or are we just going to be satisfied that she was arrested?' in reference to arrests that lacked clear criminal convictions. Many of those detained were reportedly at work or going about their daily lives when they were arrested.

Attorneys representing detained individuals have filed petitions in federal court to contest the transfers and detaining methods employed by ICE, stressing that many of their clients have no substantive criminal records and are currently engaged in active immigration processes.

ICE's operations in Maine are part of a broader enforcement strategy that has faced scrutiny for potentially targeting individuals without serious criminal pasts. This brings to light the complexities of immigration enforcement actions and the challenge of accurately portraying those involved.