Governor Mills Demands Transparency Amid Immigration Enforcement in Maine

Wed Feb 04 2026 02:49:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a press conference, Maine Governor Janet Mills called on federal officials for clarity regarding recent immigration enforcement operations that have instilled fear among local immigrant communities.

Maine's Governor Janet Mills has publicly urged federal immigration authorities to provide arrest warrants and real-time statistics on recent operations that have impacted local immigrant communities. Amid increasing fears of secret arrests and government overreach, Mills questioned the rationale behind targeting Maine and the implications for families and businesses dependent on immigrant labor. The operation has prompted schools to take precautionary measures, while local leaders demand accountability and transparency from federal agents.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — In a bold move, Governor Janet Mills has challenged federal immigration officials to clarify their recent actions, urging them to provide arrest warrants and real-time statistics related to a sweeping enforcement operation across Maine. At a news conference, Mills expressed concern that the state's immigrant communities are left in the dark, leading to widespread fear.

“If they have warrants, show the warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police,” Mills declared, emphasizing that state officials are unaware of where detainees are being held. This call for transparency comes as federal officials reported 50 arrests on the operation's first day, with up to 1,400 individuals identified as targets.

As the crackdown unfolds, anxiety is pervasive, particularly in cities like Portland and Lewiston, which host significant immigrant populations from Africa and elsewhere. Community leaders indicate that many families are resorting to staying home from work and pulling children from school out of concern for their safety.

Mills noted that despite her outreach, communication from the Trump administration regarding these enforcement actions has been lacking. She emphasized the need for clarity on why Maine has become a focal point and what directives are driving this operation.

In response to the heightened situation, state institutions, including schools, have gone on alert, with several briefly entering lockout status to ensure safety amid fears of nearby enforcement activities. Businesses reliant on immigrant labor have also reported disruptions.

Critics, particularly from the Democratic Party, have condemned the operation as excessive, given Maine's relatively small undocumented population. They argue the disruption inflicted on families and businesses is unwarranted and call for a reassessment of priorities.

Federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, have been approached for updated information regarding arrests and detainee locations, but responses have been slow and vague. Mills has reiterated the importance of public accountability in law enforcement actions, stressing that legal documentation of arrests should be readily available.

As tensions rise, Mills maintains that her administration aims to balance respect for the law with a fair and humane approach towards all residents, regardless of immigration status.