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Maine Leaders Warn of Possible ICE Operations After Report of Somali-Focused Plan

State officials prepare police support pending any federal action.

Overview

  • The mayors of Lewiston and Portland said they understand ICE agents are expected soon and urged residents to know their rights and make plans.
  • MS NOW, citing two people familiar with planning, reported the administration is weighing a Maine deployment focused on Somali immigrants with detentions of refugees for roughly 30-day reviews.
  • ICE and DHS declined to confirm operational details or staffing for Maine, leaving the timing and scope uncertain.
  • Gov. Janet Mills said aggressive tactics are not welcome and directed Maine State Police to coordinate with local departments to support safety and civil rights if operations occur.
  • Local leaders noted Portland and Lewiston police do not enforce federal immigration law, and the warnings come after the decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Somalis and a federal crackdown in Minnesota tied to alleged fraud.