Sen. Angus King Criticizes 'Unnecessary' Greenland Drama, Decries ICE Tactics

The Maine senator says the U.S. already has agreements in place to expand military activity in Greenland, and calls ICE's actions in Portland 'grossly unconstitutional'.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:15pm

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U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) says the recent 'drama' over President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland was unnecessary, as the U.S. already has agreements in place to expand its military presence there. King also criticized the tactics used by ICE agents in Portland, Maine, saying their actions are 'grossly unconstitutional' and that 'people should not be fearful in their homes'.

Why it matters

King's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and its European allies over Greenland, as well as concerns about the aggressive tactics used by ICE agents in targeting undocumented immigrants, which have sparked protests and raised constitutional questions.

The details

King said the U.S. already has a major military base in Greenland and the right to establish additional assets there under a treaty with Denmark. He believes the 'drama' over acquiring Greenland 'never passed the straight face test'. Meanwhile, King criticized ICE's actions in Portland, saying their agents wear masks, lack identification, and can 'break down your door and come in without a warrant', which he called 'grossly unconstitutional'.

  • On January 23, 2026, Senator King was interviewed by 207.
  • On January 25, 2026, King said he would support a move by Democrats to take the DHS budget out of a larger package and debate it separately.

The players

Angus King

A U.S. Senator from Maine and one of the founders of the Senate's Arctic Caucus.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who expressed interest in acquiring Greenland.

Susan Collins

A Republican U.S. Senator from Maine who chairs the Appropriations Committee.

Alejandro Mayorkas

The Secretary of Homeland Security.

Alex Pretti

A protestor who was shot and killed in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“We have had a major base in Greenland since 1951, and under the treaty [with Denmark] that established that base, we have the right to establish other military or national security assets there. So to me, that never passed the straight face test.”

— Angus King, U.S. Senator

“The terrorizing going on today on the streets of Portland is not from criminals on the streets. It's from the tactics of ICE.”

— Angus King, U.S. Senator

“The enforcement should be far more targeted and focus on individuals who are here illegally and have criminal convictions. I have also called for an impartial and independent investigation—not one overseen by the Department of Homeland Security—into the shooting of Alex Pretti.”

— Susan Collins, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.