The enforcement operation, dubbed “Catch of the Day” by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has caused significant disruption in Maine’s largest cities. Federal officials reported about 50 arrests on the first day, with roughly 1,400 people as operational targets in the mostly rural state of 1.4 million residents, 4% of whom are foreign-born.

Maine’s Democratic governor challenged federal immigration officials Thursday to provide warrants and arrest information from a sweeping enforcement operation in her state, saying residents have been left largely in the dark as fear spreads through immigrant communities.

“If they have warrants, show the warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police,” Gov. Janet Mills said at a news conference.

Mills said that President Donald Trump’s office has not returned her calls regarding the operation, which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has dubbed “Catch of the Day.” Federal officials reported about 50 arrests on the first day, with roughly 1,400 people as operational targets in the mostly rural state of 1.4 million residents, 4% of whom are foreign-born.

The enforcement activity has sparked anxiety in Maine’s largest cities, including Portland and Lewiston, which are home to sizable immigrant and refugee populations, particularly from African nations. Community leaders said some families are staying indoors, avoiding work, and keeping children home from school for fear of arrest.

Mills said the lack of information has made it difficult to assess the scope or justification for the operation. “Why Maine? Why now? What were the orders that came from above? Who’s giving the orders? We’ve reached out, we’ve asked questions. We have no answers,” she said.

Government and law enforcement concerns

Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce raised concerns about the arrest of one of his corrections officer recruits by immigration agents Wednesday evening in Portland. Joyce was among more than 100 sheriffs nationwide who met last year with border czar Tom Homan.

Joyce said that the plan outlined at the time — prioritizing the removal of people with serious criminal records — was one he could support. This week’s arrest did not align with that message, he said. “The book and the movie don’t add up,” he said.

The recruit was hired in February 2024 after undergoing criminal history checks, fingerprinting, reference checks, and a polygraph examination. His employment eligibility was verified through a federally required I-9 form indicating he was authorized to work in the United States until 2029. “He was squeaky clean,” Joyce said. “Every indication we found was that this was an individual trying to do all the right things.”

Joyce said ICE later told him the man was in the country illegally, a claim he said he does not understand given his work authorization and lack of criminal history. He also criticized the manner of the arrest, saying multiple ICE agents were involved and the man’s vehicle was left running on a city street after he was detained. “That’s bush-league policing,” Joyce said.

Mills said school districts have gone “on alert,” particularly in Portland and Lewiston, and that some students have not been attending classes. She also said businesses that rely heavily on immigrant labor have reported disruptions.

“People are being torn from their families and from young children, people who are part of the workforce here in Maine,” Mills said.

Accounts from immigrants

Cristian Vaca, a 28-year-old roofer from Ecuador, said ICE agents repeatedly threatened him during a visit to his home Wednesday. Vaca said he came to the United States in September 2023 for his family’s safety and economic opportunity.

“I’m here legally,” Vaca said. He said he has a U.S. Social Security number, a work permit, and pays income taxes.

Vaca said he was sitting on his couch when he noticed agents outside his home taking photos. A video Vaca took from inside the house shows an ICE agent speaking to him through his closed front door. Before turning away, the agent says, “We’re going to come back for your whole family, okay?” A child’s voice can be heard in the background.

Federal position

The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for updated arrest numbers and information about where detainees are being held.

DHS previously said the operation targets what it described as “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,” citing arrests involving convictions for aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and child endangerment.

A small group of demonstrators gathered Thursday afternoon outside an ICE field office in Scarborough. In downtown Portland, resident Dave Cowie held a sign reading “Due Process” in red and blue. He said he was concerned about the scope of immigration enforcement.

“People are being snatched off the street, taken to undisclosed locations,” Cowie said. “We’re being told we have to prove our citizenship — not everyone walks around with a passport in their pocket.”

Maine’s top federal prosecutor urged any demonstrations to remain peaceful and warned that people who interfere with federal agents could face prosecution. Mills said the state respects the law but questioned the need for what she described as a heavy-handed approach.