Breaking News: Donald Trump Announces New State ICE Will Invade (Report)

The Trump administration initiated a new immigration crackdown in Maine on January 21, 2026, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arresting dozens of individuals, many from Somali communities along with immigrants from countries including Sudan, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Angola, Honduras, Senegal, and the Congo.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dubbed the effort “Operation Catch of the Day”, framing it as a targeted removal of individuals with criminal convictions, including aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Trump Administration Launches Immigration Enforcement Operation in Maine, Targeting Somali Communities and Others

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated:

“We arrested illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are no longer allowing criminal illegal aliens to terrorize American citizens.”

According to ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde, speaking to Fox News from Scarborough, Maine, the operation targeted approximately 1,400 individuals, with more than 50 arrests reported on the first day (Tuesday, January 20). Two U.S. officials confirmed to The New York Times that Somali immigrants were a primary focus, building on similar enforcement actions in Minnesota that have sparked protests and scrutiny—including a recent shooting incident involving an ICE officer.

Background on Maine’s Somali and Immigrant Communities

Maine, an overwhelmingly white state with one of the oldest populations in the U.S., has seen significant immigration from African nations, particularly Somalia. Somali refugees began settling in Lewiston (the state’s second-largest city) in the early 2000s, drawn by job opportunities in manufacturing and lower living costs. The community has grown substantially, with Lewiston and Portland (the largest city) now home to thousands of residents of African descent, including many Somalis and recent asylum seekers from other African countries who arrived during the Biden administration.

Employers in the state increasingly rely on immigrant labor to fill gaps left by retiring or departing native-born workers. Portland City Councilor Pious Ali (a native of Ghana) emphasized solidarity: “This council doesn’t stand apart from our immigrant communities, we stand with them.”

Local and State Reactions: Warnings and Anxiety

Maine officials have voiced strong opposition and concern:

• Gov. Janet Mills (D) released a video message warning federal agents: “If your plan is to come here to be provocative and to undermine the civil rights of Maine residents, do not be confused: Those tactics are not welcome here.” She addressed residents’ fears directly, noting widespread anxiety in immigrant communities.
• Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline confirmed an increased ICE presence in the city and urged calm while acknowledging the operation was causing “anxiety, fear or uncertainty” for many residents.
• Portland Mayor Mark Dion stated residents were “on high alert,” with community leaders reporting heightened fear among families.

Legal advocates, including the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP), have prepared to respond, urging Mainers to know their rights amid rumors of intensified enforcement.

Broader Context and Implications

This operation follows weeks of similar actions in Minnesota, where Somali communities have faced targeted enforcement, leading to protests and questions about tactics. It aligns with President Trump’s broader mass deportation agenda and recent verbal criticisms of Somali immigrants, including his revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia and derogatory remarks.

The surge has heightened tensions in sanctuary-leaning areas like Portland and Lewiston, where local leaders have limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities. No widespread “raids” were described as door-to-door sweeps, but the increased federal presence has caused significant community distress.

As enforcement continues, advocates and officials are monitoring for potential civil rights issues, while DHS emphasizes the focus on public safety threats. The operation underscores the Trump administration’s aggressive early-2026 push on immigration, with Maine now the latest front in a nationwide campaign.

Stay tuned for developments on Trump immigration enforcement Maine, ICE Operation Catch of the Day, or Maine Somali community response as the situation evolves.

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