Trump administration immigration enforcement programs
Immigrant rights advocates filed a lawsuit on March 10, 2026, challenging the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 1,100 Somalis, arguing the termination is discriminatory despite ongoing conflict in Somalia. As of March 13, 2026, a report estimates that ICE's 'Operation Catch of the Day' in Maine, which began in late January 2026 and targeted over 1,400 immigrants resulting in approximately 200 detentions, caused an estimated $3.4 million drop in retail sales due to fear and disruption. Many individuals detained in this operation are being released, with a significant number found not to pose a danger to their communities. Concurrently, ICE launched 'Operation Buckeye' in Ohio targeting Somali Americans, and the Trump administration is expanding the 287(g) program, enlisting local law enforcement in immigration enforcement across at least 77.2 million people in participating counties.
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51 updatesA report estimates that ICE's 'Operation Catch of the Day' in January resulted in an estimated $3.4 million drop in retail sales in parts of Maine due to fear and disruption. The report warns that continued arrests and potential deportations could significantly shrink Maine's workforce and economic output, with the removal of approximately 157 workers alone potentially reducing the state's economy by nearly $12 million annually.
via pbs.org
Immigrant rights advocates have filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 1,100 Somalis, arguing the termination is discriminatory. The lawsuit contends that the administration's justification of improved conditions in Somalia is inaccurate, despite ongoing conflict. The TPS was set to expire on March 17, 2026.
ICE launched 'Operation Buckeye' in Ohio targeting Somali Americans, following President Trump's critical language towards the community. The operation, combined with actions by 'influencers' alleging fraudulent businesses, has instilled fear within the Somali American community.
via theguardian.com
Lawmakers in Maine are considering changes to state law concerning the housing of federal detainees in local jails, prompted by pressure to end the contract with Cumberland County Jail for immigration detentions. This development follows increased immigration enforcement and a ramp-up in detentions under the Trump administration.
Many individuals detained during the Trump administration's 'Operation Catch of the Day' in Maine are being released. A significant number of those apprehended were found not to pose a danger to their communities, despite the administration's focus on mass detentions and deportations. This operation began in late January 2026.
via Press Herald
A new ACLU report reveals the Trump administration has expanded the 287(g) program, enlisting local law enforcement to assist ICE in immigration enforcement and extending its reach into routine policing. This program has led to 'show me your papers' tactics during traffic stops, with at least 77.2 million people living in counties where local law enforcement participates.
via aclu.org
Immigrant and business advocates in Maine are concerned about a proposed Trump administration rule that would halt work permits for asylum seekers. Officials estimate the current backlog of over 1.4 million applications could take between 14 to 173 years to resolve, which Mufalo Chitam of the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition stated would be "awful for all industries and communities."
via Press Herald
President Trump alleged during a speech on February 25, 2026, that immigrants in Maine are involved in fraud and hinted at a new initiative, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, to combat fraud nationwide. He specifically mentioned a Maine immigrant healthcare provider accused of using Medicaid money for tax fraud.
via WGME
In his State of the Union address, Donald Trump claimed that immigration fraud in Maine is 'even worse' than in Minnesota. The 'Operation Catch of the Day' in Maine targeted over 1,400 immigrants, leading to approximately 200 detentions, with critics arguing the operation was indiscriminate.
A Phippsburg resident, Kristofer Anderson, defended the Trump administration's immigration policies in a letter to the editor. Anderson accused Maine Governor Janet Mills and other politicians of covering up fraud benefiting illegal immigrants and praised the accomplishments of federal agencies like DHS, CBP, and ICE.
States, including Maine, have enacted laws that could allow them to sue federal officials for constitutional violations related to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and increased use of detention facilities. This development emerges as part of a broader national strategy to challenge ICE operations.
Maine residents Elinor Hilton and Colleen Fagan filed a lawsuit against DHS agencies on February 23, 2026, alleging unconstitutional surveillance and intimidation during immigration operations. Separately, the Immigration Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) is prioritizing defense for immigrant communities against mass enforcement and addressing the lingering effects of a recent ICE surge.
The Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge in Maine, 'Operation Catch of the Day,' has become a key issue in the state's Senate race, with Governor Mills criticizing the operation for "stoking fear." Additionally, over 200 protesters gathered to demonstrate against ICE activity, expressing concerns about community fear and tactics used.
A U.S. federal judge has overturned a Board of Immigration Appeals decision supporting the Trump administration's policy of mandatory detention for thousands arrested during immigration crackdowns. U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes accused the administration of "terrorizing immigrants" and "recklessly violating the law" by denying detainees the chance to seek release on bond. This ruling impacts the administration's ability to use the Board of Immigration Appeals' decision to deny bond.
via Newsweek·newsweek.com
Less than 14% of immigrants arrested during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Maine, including 'Operation Catch of the Day,' had violent criminal records. This statistic emerges as a quarter of those arrested are challenging their detentions in court.
At least 47 individuals arrested during the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operation in Maine, 'Operation Catch of the Day,' are now challenging their detentions in court. This development indicates ongoing legal repercussions and challenges to the operation's actions, with many detainees claiming their rights were violated.
The Trump administration launched 'Operation Catch of the Day' in Maine on January 22, 2026, deploying over 100 federal agents to target refugees. As of February 6, 2026, CBS13 has not received a full list of the 206 individuals detained by ICE, despite filing a Freedom of Information Act request.
The large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Maine, known as 'Operation Catch of the Day,' appears to have subsided. While the surge has ended, its effects continue to be felt, with immigrant communities remaining fearful and businesses reporting a decline in customers.
via pressherald.com
Senator Susan Collins confirmed that ICE's 'Operation Catch of the Day' surge in Maine has concluded. In response to the operation, Maine lawmakers are debating a bill to restrict immigration agents' access to schools and hospitals.
Maine Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey have demanded that the Trump administration release comprehensive details regarding the recent ICE arrests in the state. This demand follows an ICE press release that provided limited public information on the 206 arrests.
via maine.gov
Donald Trump's 'border czar' pledged to continue the immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, even as 'Operation Catch of the Day' concluded in Maine.
via theguardian.com
The Trump administration's "Operation Catch of the Day" immigration enforcement surge in Maine was launched on January 20, 2026.
via wsws.org
Families and attorneys are struggling to locate over 200 individuals arrested by ICE in Maine, as authorities are reportedly transferring detainees out of state quickly, hindering legal challenges.
via theguardian.com
Thousands of people in Maine participated in rallies to protest the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operation. Additionally, U.S. Senator Susan Collins urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to halt the immigration enforcement surges in both Maine and Minnesota.
Senate hopeful Graham Platner called for the dismantling of ICE and criticized Governor Janet Mills in response to the ongoing immigration crackdown in Maine.
via punchbowl.news
A fatal shooting occurred during an immigration operation in Minnesota, prompting Democrats to vow to block Department of Homeland Security funding and demand reforms. In response, President Trump is sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota, and Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino's departure is expected.
More than 200 individuals have been arrested by ICE in Maine since the operation began, with the target number of people now aiming for 1,400. The Department of Homeland Security has also criticized Governor Janet Mills and other state politicians.
via centralmaine.com·telegraphjournal.com·washingtonpost.com
A new law in Maine that restricts cooperation between state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities is set to take effect.
via foxnews.com
Experts clarify ICE limits, detailing when agents can stop, detain or enter homes and what rights residents have. A leaked ICE memo approved entering homes without consent using an administrative warrant alone, as long as a final order of removal has been issued.
via aljazeera.com
Hundreds of people in Maine rallied in Portland and Lewiston to protest the Trump administration's immigration operation and the arrests of their neighbors.
via mainebeacon.com
Maine Governor Janet Mills has demanded that the Trump administration withdraw ICE agents from the state and has called for a meeting with the President. This demand follows her condemnation of a fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
via pressherald.com
The Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge in Maine, "Operation Catch of the Day," began around January 21, 2026, with reports of agents detaining individuals with work permits and no criminal history, contrary to claims of targeting "the worst of the worst criminals." Prior to the operation, federal immigration agents were reportedly being considered for deployment to Maine to target Somali immigrants, potentially involving up to 200 agents.
The Trump administration's 'Operation Catch of the Day' aims to arrest 1,000 Maine residents. A fraud investigation into MaineCare provider Gateway Community Services is reportedly being used as a pretext for increased federal immigration enforcement targeting Somali Americans.
The Trump administration has reported that 100 people have been arrested so far in the Maine immigration operation. The percentage of ICE detainees without a criminal record has significantly increased to 41% in December, up from 6% in January of the previous year.
Reports indicate that 'Operation Catch of the Day' has detained individuals without criminal records and with permission to work, despite the Trump administration's claims of targeting "the worst of the worst" criminals. This includes a Cumberland County jail recruit.
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce, Portland Mayor Mark Dion, and Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline have criticized 'Operation Catch of the Day,' with Sheline condemning ICE's tactics as 'terror and intimidation.' The operation, which targets immigrants from Somalia, Sudan, Guatemala, and Ethiopia, has led to arrests including a corrections officer recruit, and the Trump administration cited Governor Janet Mills as a reason for the initiative.
via bangordailynews.com·foxnews.com·spokesman.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·democracynow.org
The Trump administration launched a new immigration enforcement operation in Maine, named 'Operation Catch of the Day,' on January 21, 2026. ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde stated that approximately 50 arrests had been made and nearly 1,400 individuals were identified for detention. The administration cited Maine Governor Janet Mills's stance on immigration as a reason for the operation.
via Al Jazeera
Outrage has erupted over the detention of a 5-year-old boy, Liam Ramos, and his father by ICE agents in Minneapolis, with critics describing it as a cruel escalation of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics.
via thegrio.com
Over 100 federal agents arrived in Maine for 'Operation Catch of the Day,' which reportedly targets individuals who previously failed to report for deportation. Governor Janet Mills publicly challenged federal officials to provide specific data on arrests and warrants, while Maine lawmakers are also set to consider new proposals to limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
Approximately 50 individuals have been taken into custody as part of 'Operation Catch of the Day,' which follows fraud investigations. Nearly 1,400 individuals have been identified for detention, prompting Democratic officials, including Governor Janet Mills, to express anger and a lack of coordination.
Republicans have accused Democratic Governor Janet Mills and other Democrats of using inflammatory rhetoric that they claim endangers federal agents amidst the ongoing immigration crackdown. This accusation marks an escalation in political tensions surrounding 'Operation Catch of the Day'.
via nepm.org
The Department of Homeland Security has officially named the federal immigration enforcement operation in Maine 'Operation Catch of the Day'. This initiative marks the latest expansion of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign.
via cbsnews.com·themainemonitor.org·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Reuters reports, citing the New York Times, that the Trump administration has officially started an immigration enforcement operation targeting Somali immigrants in Maine, confirmed by two U.S. officials.
via ng.investing.com·streetinsider.com·ms.now·youtube.com·newsfromthestates.com
Downtown Lewiston is described as 'eerily quiet' as the immigrant community braces for anticipated ICE action. Signs warning of ICE presence and providing a hotline for reporting activity are visible throughout the city.
via ng.investing.com·streetinsider.com·ms.now·youtube.com·newsfromthestates.com
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the DHS calls the operation in Minneapolis the largest in its history, with nearly 3,000 federal agents involved.
via cbsnews.com
Rumors intensify about a looming surge of ICE activity in Portland and Lewiston, with some reports suggesting 'forceful entry' operations. Political leaders in Maine react, largely along partisan lines, with Democrats expressing alarm and Republicans welcoming the potential federal presence.
via ng.investing.com·streetinsider.com·ms.now·youtube.com·newsfromthestates.com
The Trump administration was considering deploying up to 200 federal immigration agents to Maine to target Somali immigrants for reviews and potential detentions. This operation was reportedly designed to address alleged fraud and other crimes. The plan was part of a larger effort to re-examine refugees admitted under President Obama.
via youtube.com·gbh.org
The Trump administration planned to send federal immigration agents to Maine to target Somali immigrants, with an operation similar to one in Minnesota. "Operation Catch of the Day" was launched on January 21, 2026, targeting undocumented immigrants, and appeared to subside after Senator Collins spoke with DHS officials. Reports indicated a broader reach than initially stated, with a civil engineer from Colombia being arrested.
President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act as part of his crackdown on immigration, blaming Democratic politicians in Minnesota.
via latimes.com
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline publicly states his understanding that ICE is heading to his town soon, urging residents to know their rights. Maine Governor Janet Mills directs State Police to coordinate with local law enforcement in preparation for potential federal operations.
via ng.investing.com·streetinsider.com·ms.now·youtube.com·newsfromthestates.com
Since President Trump took office in January 2025, the number of people held in immigration detention has risen by almost 75 percent, reaching nearly 66,000 by the start of December. The system is reportedly capable of holding 70,000 people daily.
2025
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2025
3 updatesThe Trump Administration introduced new immigration restrictions in November 2025, significantly increasing visa revocations and denying visas for individuals with certain medical conditions. These measures also ended automatic work permit extensions for millions of temporary workers.
via borene.com
Immigration arrests in Maine have increased by 50 percent in the first six months of President Donald Trump's second term compared to the previous year. Approximately 100 arrests were made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Advocates report that local law enforcement is involved by handing individuals over during traffic stops, significantly impacting immigrant communities.
via Amjambo Africa
In February 2025, President Trump referenced immigration and deportations. In May 2025, Rhode Island was placed on notice as a 'sanctuary jurisdiction,' and in July 2025, stricter immigration policies led to a scientific 'brain drain'.
2026
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