FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 11, 2026

Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of MIRC

Statement on a Spring Rise of ICE Activity in Maine 

Portland, Maine – The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC), representing over 100 organizations across Maine, can confirm that the increase in detentions in our neighborhoods and calls to our Immigrant Defense Hotline correspond with a shift in national enforcement strategy by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security. 

Over the last two weeks, our Hotline and community networks have reported an uptick in detentions, with enforcement increasingly affecting visible and well-established immigrant communities. 

Our Coalition's observations parallel recent reports of ICE and DHS increasing their presence in Maine, including bids for local business cooperation agreements with ICE. 

In Maine, these arrests continue to follow the broader trend of targeting Black and brown immigrants, including individuals actively navigating immigration proceedings. 

While the scale of the enforcement presence remains unclear, Maine’s immigrant support infrastructure is prepared. We have navigated periods of heightened enforcement before, and we are ready to protect civil and human rights, community stability, and public trust once again. We urge people vulnerable to the current administration's enhanced immigration enforcement to take steps to prepare themselves and their families, including:

• Bookmark the Immigrant Defense Resource Hub, learn about support tools like the Maine Solidarity Fund, and save the Immigrant Defense Hotline number (207) 544-9989, in case of witnessing ICE or Border Patrol activity or needing assistance to access resources.
• Ensure important personal documents are accessible to a trusted individual in the event of detention. This form from Rep. Chellie Pingree can be filled out and submitted to facilitate congressional support.
• Review your rights regarding judicial warrants and entry into private spaces, including homes and workplaces.

MIRC and our members are concerned about the long-term impacts this escalation in enforcement activity and shifting strategy will have on community stability, healthcare access, workforce participation, small businesses, and Maine’s tourism economy as the state enters tourism season. Previous periods of heightened immigration enforcement in Maine carried measurable economic consequences. 

According to an analysis conducted by the Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP), Operation Catch of the Day contributed between $10–$22 million in regional economic disruption, while businesses reported revenue losses and staffing shortages over a 10-day period. These impacts extend far beyond the individuals directly detained.

Portland, Rockland, and Lewiston councils, and the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, have reaffirmed the importance of limiting local involvement in federal immigration enforcement and keeping local resources focused on local priorities. 

We encourage other municipalities across Maine to continue demonstrating this leadership. While state and local governments cannot fully shield communities from harmful federal enforcement policies, we continue to see the power that exists within neighborhoods across Maine to reduce harm, support families, and protect community trust.

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