Maine Leaders Call for Calm Amid Increased ICE Operations

The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are currently conducting a significant operation in Maine, dubbed “Operation Catch of the Day,” which aims to apprehend approximately 1,400 suspects across the state. As federal law enforcement intensifies its activities, local leaders are urging residents to avoid interference with the operation.

State Representative Billy Bob Faulkingham, a Republican from Winter Harbor, addressed the community via social media on September 27, 2023, advocating for calm during the ongoing enforcement actions. In his message, he emphasized the importance of allowing ICE agents to perform their duties without public obstruction. “Folks, calm down about all this ICE stuff,” Faulkingham stated. “They are doing their jobs. These men and women are professionals.”

This call for restraint comes in the wake of an incident involving Brewer police responding to a school situation where bystanders mistakenly believed officers were connected to ICE. The Bangor Daily News reported that this misunderstanding posed a risk to the safety of those involved in the operation, which was related to a separate swatting investigation.

Faulkingham confirmed that on the first day of “Operation Catch of the Day,” 50 individuals were apprehended, with operations expected to escalate throughout the week. He cautioned residents, saying, “Stop the craziness. Stay home. Stay out of the way of law enforcement operations, or you’re gonna get somebody hurt.”

Support for Law Enforcement from Local Officials

In a related news conference, Mark Dion, the Democratic Mayor of Portland, expressed his respect for the rights of citizens to protest while also urging them to refrain from obstructing law enforcement. “I will remind the public to allow officers to do their work,” Dion said. “If officers are acting with a warrant, they are within the law. And this is not the place or the time to challenge that. I want everyone safe.”

The need for cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies has been underscored by the National Police Association. Spokesperson Betsy Branter Smith highlighted the risks posed by anti-ICE sentiments, stating, “All this anti-ICE nonsense is doing is endangering you, your neighbors, your ICE agents, and your local law enforcement.”

Smith also criticized the decision by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellow to pause undercover license plate requests for ICE agents, deeming it irresponsible to not support federal efforts aimed at ensuring safety.

Federal Agents Respond to Criticism

In an interview with FOX News, Patricia Hyde, ICE Deputy Assistant Director, expressed concern regarding the lack of collaboration from Maine officials. “We have approximately 1,400 targets here in Maine, ranging from rape of a child to drug trafficking, sexual assault, simple assaults, DUI, you name it, they’re on the target list,” Hyde stated. “When law enforcement doesn’t communicate with law enforcement, that puts our communities in danger.”

The enforcement actions in Maine are part of a broader strategy initiated by the Trump administration to escalate the crackdown on individuals living in the country illegally, particularly those with prior criminal records. As operations increase, the dynamics between local communities and federal enforcement agencies continue to draw attention and debate.

In summary, as “Operation Catch of the Day” unfolds, local leaders from both sides of the political spectrum are calling for a measured approach, urging residents to respect law enforcement procedures while expressing support for the rights of the immigrant community in Maine.