ICE Operations in Maine Spark Fear and Community-Led Response
In Portland, Maine, a quiet suburban life has been disrupted by the sudden appearance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on local streets. Dressed in military-style attire with faces covered and weapons visible, their presence has instilled a deep sense of anxiety among residents, particularly within immigrant communities. Faith, a local mother who requested anonymity for safety, describes how this shift has transformed daily routines in a state known for its low crime rates.
From Soccer Mums to Support Networks
Faith, previously an average mum juggling work and family duties, now finds herself part of an "angry group of moms" who have established a close-knit buddy system. This initiative supports families too fearful to leave their homes due to ICE operations. "I've been buddied up with three families who aren't leaving their homes," Faith explains. She checks in daily, assisting with practical needs like groceries and laundry, often bringing her young children along to ease fears when knocking on doors.
The catalyst for this community action was "Operation Catch of the Day," announced by Homeland Security on January 21, 2026. This enforcement surge, reportedly targeting "the Worst of Worst Criminal Illegal Aliens Across Maine," has led to over 200 arrests, with the New York Times suggesting a focus on the Somali community. In response, Faith has organised micro-fundraisers and coordinated with local food pantries, delivering $2,500 worth of supplies to aid those unable to access food.
Businesses Prepare for the Unknown
Andrew Volk, a 42-year-old restaurant and cocktail bar owner in downtown Portland, has witnessed the impact on his commute and community. He notes ICE agents "waiting and looking for people to pick up," leading to widespread fear. "We're not yet seeing quite the public shell force you see in places like Minneapolis, but there are a lot of people staying home and sheltering because they are scared of getting targeted, harassed, and kidnapped," he tells Metro.
To support his staff of ten, Andrew held a training session on how to respond if ICE agents approach the restaurant. He emphasised legal rights, such as the requirement for judicial warrants to access private areas and the option to record interactions. "Informing my staff on their rights was the main way I felt I could support them through an 'unknown time,'" he says, aiming to foster solidarity.
Economic and Social Ripples
The fear has tangible economic consequences. Andrew reports that several restaurant owners have closed due to staff shortages, as employees legally allowed to work are too scared to leave home. "These are people legally allowed to be here. They don't have criminal records. They're contributing members of our community. And they're scared to go work," he notes. Schools have seen increased absences, with children missing classes because parents fear kidnapping by ICE.
Faith echoes concerns about the targeting of integral community members. "There are a lot of Somali and Central American immigrants in Maine. They're an integral, vital part of our economy and communities," she says, dismissing narratives that migrants are "sucking our country dry." She points to horrific headlines, like the killing of an ICU nurse protecting a woman from ICE, as fueling fear even among children.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid Uncertainty
Despite announcements from Maine Senator Susan Collins that immigration officials have ceased "enhanced operations," skepticism remains. Andrew responds, "My initial response is that I'll believe it when I see it. It feels like a mealy-mouthed non-response to an increasingly difficult situation." Faith and her husband regularly assess their family's safety, driven by a sense of responsibility to help neighbours. "No one told me that the main way I would fight fascism is grocery shopping. But that's what we're doing," she reflects.
As communities in Maine navigate this challenging period, the resilience shown through buddy systems, business trainings, and grassroots fundraising highlights a collective effort to protect vulnerable members. The situation underscores broader tensions around immigration enforcement and its impact on everyday life in American suburbs.
