Chellie Pingree

01/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/29/2026 09:24

Pingree Releases Statement on Reported 'End' to ICE's 'Operation Catch of the Day'

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement in response to reports that the Department of Homeland Security has ended "Operation Catch of the Day" in Maine:
I cannot independently confirm this announcement because the Department of Homeland Security has not provided my office with basic information about this operation, despite repeated requests for weeks.

On January 22, I sent a formal oversight letter to Secretary Noem asking for a full accounting of who was detained, under what legal authority, and where individuals were taken. I have received no response. Senator King and my office also requested a joint meeting with DHS leadership to discuss what was happening in Maine. We received no response.

If these enhanced operations have in fact ceased, that may reduce the visible federal presence in our state. But I think it is important that people understand what we saw during this operation: individuals who are legally allowed to be in the United States, whether by lawful presence or an authorized period of stay, following the rules, and being detained anyway.
That is not limited to this one operation. That has been the pattern of this Administration's immigration enforcement over the past year, and there is no indication that policy has changed.

The unfortunate reality is, ending this surge and removing additional officers does not mean a return to how immigration enforcement functioned in Maine "for many years." What we have seen over the past year is radically different. The standard now appears to be broad, aggressive detentions and removals that do not distinguish between people who are here unlawfully, and people who are awaiting decisions on pending cases or have another valid status.

I continue to seek a full accounting from DHS of who was detained, what their immigration status was, and where they are currently located. Until those answers are provided, serious questions remain about how this Department is operating in our state and what Mainers should expect going forward.

I remain ready to meet with DHS at any time to ensure that immigration enforcement in Maine is carried out lawfully, transparently, and with respect for the people and communities affected.
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