Sen. Collins: ICE Ending Enhanced Enforcement Operations in Maine

Are ICE operations about public safety and enforcing the law or are they politically motivated tactics?

Published 6 days ago

Sen. Collins: ICE Ending Enhanced Enforcement Operations in Maine

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Above: Bundled-up people walk along a street in Lewiston, Maine on Jan. 24, 2026. Image credit: Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Although ICE's enhanced operations may be ending, it's important that it maintain a presence wherever it's needed, including Maine. Federal law enforcement has every right to enforce immigration laws, and targeting criminal aliens serves the public interest. ICE operations focus on the worst criminals residing illegally in the country, fulfilling campaign promises while upholding the rule of law that makes America a nation of laws.

AMAC Portland Press Herald Jared Golden

Establishment-critical narrative

We don't know that any promises Collins received are going to be fulfilled. But if ICE does scale back as Collins has described, it might just be because the Trump administration realizes she faces a difficult reelection in a state that's key to the GOP maintaining the majority. Apparently increase ICE operations aren't about safety but are political, and Collins should be concerned about cities outside of her state as well.

Prisonculture on Bluesky Social

Graham Platner on X Maine Democratic Party