(The Center Square) — Maine's top law enforcement official is urging people to report "questionable" actions by ICE agents as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement in the state.
In a statement, Democratic Attorney General Aaron Frey's office announced a new email address for Mainers to submit "any descriptions of observed intimidating or excessive behavior" by federal agents. Frey's office asked for dates, locations, names of any individuals involved as actors or witnesses, and contact information. Photos and video can be submitted separately to the AG's office.
"Across our nation, we are seeing numerous reports of apparent civil rights violations and improper use of force by federal agents who have been sent into areas targeted for immigration enforcement by the federal government," Frey's office said in a statement.
"With the federal government now surging federal agents into Maine under the banner of immigration enforcement, evidence of constitutionally-deficient, excessive, and intimidating enforcement tactics is quickly emerging in our own state."
The warning comes as ICE ramps up enforcement operations in Maine's two largest cities, Portland and Lewiston, authorities targeting an estimated 1,400 immigrants in the state on various charges
Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched “Operation Catch of the Day,” a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Maine "targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who have terrorized communities."
Ahead of the operation, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and the mayors of Portland and Lewiston, both Democrats, warned residents to prepare for a possible increase in ICE presence in their communities.
More than 100 "illegal aliens" have been arrested since the operation got underway on Jan. 20, the federal agency said. The agency has released details of some of those detained, which included people previously charged with assault, drug trafficking, rape and burglary.
"The Trump administration is removing murderers, pedophiles, terrorists and other criminals from communities across the country," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "Our message is clear: we will protect the American people, no matter where they live."
On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security said it was moving about 50 detainees from the Cumberland County Jail in Portland after learning that the facility had hired an undocumented immigrant as a corrections recruit. The unnamed man has been detained by federal authorities.
Maine Republicans have blamed Mills and other top Democrats for encouraging the immigration crackdown by passing a "sanctuary" state law restricting cooperation with federal authorities.
