Trump’s ‘Operation Catch of the Day’ Hits Maine: Federal ICE Raids Target Sanctuary State

They've shaken hands, but the fists remain clenched. The administration of President Donald Trump has officially launched a high-stakes immigration enforcement operation in the northeastern state of Maine. Dubbed “Operation Catch of the Day”, the raids began on January 20, 2026, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing feud between the White House and state leadership.

Operation Catch of the Day: Maine ICE Raids and the Political Fallout

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the operation on Wednesday. While the administration claims it's targeting criminal elements, the political undertones are hard to ignore. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin explicitly linked the raids to Governor Janet Mills and her "sanctuary" policies. According to Fox News, ICE has already made 50 arrests and identified nearly 1,400 individuals for detention.

Rumors are swirling that the operation specifically targets the Somali American population in Portland and Lewiston. There are an estimated 3,000 Somali Americans in the state. Trump's past rhetoric, where he compared the community to "garbage" and questioned their intelligence, has fueled fears that this is a racially and politically motivated crackdown.

Tensions Rise Following Minnesota’s Fatal Encounter

The memory of Minnesota hangs heavy over Maine. In December, similar raids led to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by federal agents. Portland Mayor Mark Dion expressed anxiety about potential violence.