ICE Ends Enhanced Enforcement Efforts in Maine, Says Sen. Collins

The announcement follows protests over immigration enforcement in Portland and other cities.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:07am

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Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ended its "enhanced activities" in the state, according to information provided by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Collins said ICE will continue its normal operations in Maine, which have been ongoing for years, but there are currently no planned large-scale enforcement actions.

Why it matters

The decision to scale back increased immigration enforcement in Maine comes amid growing protests in cities like Portland over ICE's activities. The announcement could help ease tensions in the state, where activists had been planning a strike to demonstrate against the agency's recent actions.

The details

In a post on social media platform X, Collins said that while ICE does not confirm law enforcement operations, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told her the agency has shifted its approach in Maine. Collins had been urging federal officials to reconsider ICE's enforcement tactics in the state.

  • On January 29, 2026, Sen. Susan Collins announced ICE's decision.
  • The announcement came a day before a planned strike protesting ICE's recent activities.

The players

Sen. Susan Collins

A U.S. Senator representing the state of Maine.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency that is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for enforcing federal laws related to immigration.

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What they’re saying

“There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here.”

— Sen. Susan Collins

The takeaway

The decision to scale back ICE's enhanced enforcement efforts in Maine reflects the growing public backlash against aggressive immigration policies, particularly in liberal-leaning areas. It remains to be seen if this shift will be replicated in other states or if it is a temporary measure in response to the protests.