ICE says 50 arrested in Maine as DHS launches 'Operation Catch of the Day'
Source: WCSH-TV Portland, ME
Published: 10:37 AM EST January 21, 2026
Updated: 2:28 PM EST January 21, 2026
PORTLAND, Maine — U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials said they have launched “Operation Catch of the Day,” a targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement effort in Maine. ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde told Fox News the operation has resulted in about 50 arrests so far. Hyde said the agency is targeting about 1,400 individuals in Maine.
Hyde also criticized Maine’s law enforcement ban on collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying it has hindered operations. She told Fox News “agitators” in the state impeded enforcement actions, but added that the agency will continue until it has arrested all its targets. DHS did not immediately provide additional details on the specific locations of arrests or the identities of those targeted.
Westbrook Mayor David Morse said in a social media post that ICE has been actively conducting operations and detaining people in Westbrook Tuesday and Wednesday. "At least one peaceful US citizen observer from Westbrook was targeted for intimidation by a masked federal law enforcement officer this morning," Morse said. "This is outrageous behavior from a federal authority, and I stand by our citizens’ rights to peacefully observe and/or protest."
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline also released a statement Wednesday, saying Lewiston stands for the dignity of all the people who call Maine home. "ICE's terror and intimidation tactics reflect a complete lack of humanity and concern for basic human welfare. These masked men with no regard for the rule of law are causing long term damage to our state and to our country," Sheline said. "Lewiston stands for the dignity of all the people who call Maine home. We will never stop caring for our neighbors.
Read more: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-immigration/ice-arrests-portland-maine-operation-catch-of-the-day-dhs/97-4f155dc9-f6ca-4779-ae27-bd63b2f22278
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