WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Susan Collins announced today that the enhanced Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Maine will “cease.”
She made the announcement following “several direct communications between Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem” and Collins, according to a press release.
US Senator Susan Collins
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) itself does not confirm law enforcement operations. According to Collins’ statement, there will still be an ICE presence in Maine.
“ICE and Customs and Border Protection will continue their normal operations that have been ongoing here for many years,” she said.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline stated, via social media, “If the reports are accurate, it is welcome news.”
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline
Cities like Lewiston and Portland, which each have a large number of immigrant residents, have been especially targeted by the ICE operation in the state.
Earlier this week, Governor Janet Mills held a roundtable discussion with Attorney General Aaron Frey and the Mayors of cities impacted by the operation.
“ICE operations in (Lewiston) have failed to improve public safety and have caused lasting damage to our communities,” Sheline stated. “While the ICE surge may be over, they’ve been operating in our community for the past year. We need to remain vigilant, continue to check on our neighbors, and take common sense steps to keep ourselves safe.”
It is not clear if the pause in operations is permanent.