Collins Faces Backlash After ICE Crackdown in Maine

Democratic rivals say the Republican senator hasn't done enough to rein in the agency's actions.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:39pm

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Sen. Susan Collins is facing criticism from Democratic challengers after announcing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had "ceased its enhanced operations" in Maine following a week of stepped-up enforcement that led to over 200 arrests and disrupted immigrant communities. While Collins said she urged Homeland Security officials to scale back the effort, her rivals accused her of failing to use her influence to hold ICE accountable and of voting to fund the agency's parent department without new oversight measures.

Why it matters

The enforcement surge in Maine has had a visible impact, with businesses reporting staffing shortages, over 1,000 students absent from school in a single day, and families facing potential evictions as breadwinners were detained. Advocates say some of those arrested had documentation of their lawful status, raising concerns about the agency's tactics.

The details

After the week-long ICE crackdown that led to 206 arrests, Sen. Susan Collins announced that the agency had "ceased its enhanced operations" in Maine. Collins said she had urged Homeland Security officials to scale back the effort, but ICE has not confirmed that the surge has formally ended, prompting doubts among advocates that the reprieve will last. Collins' Democratic rivals, including Gov. Janet Mills and progressive challenger Graham Platner, quickly criticized the senator, accusing her of failing to use her influence as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee to rein in ICE and of voting to fund the agency's parent department without new accountability measures.

  • The ICE enforcement surge in Maine lasted for about a week.
  • On January 30, 2026, Sen. Susan Collins announced that ICE had "ceased its enhanced operations" in the state.

The players

Sen. Susan Collins

A Republican senator from Maine who is facing a competitive re-election battle in November 2026.

Gov. Janet Mills

A centrist Democratic candidate running for the Senate seat against Collins.

Graham Platner

A progressive Democratic challenger running against Collins for the Senate seat.

Kristi Noem

The current Homeland Security Secretary.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for the enforcement of immigration laws in the United States.

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What they’re saying

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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