ICE officers arrested 206 individuals during a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Maine between January 20 and January 24, according to a statement released by the agency. The operation focused on individuals described as egregious criminal alien offenders.
Patricia Hyde, ICE Deputy Assistant Director, said, “The early success of this operation displays how effectively ICE officers can operate anywhere and in any environment. Our officers arrested more than 200 alien offenders in less than a week despite the organized efforts from activist groups, radical politicians and protestors to thwart our activities. ICE will not be deterred from enforcing U.S. immigration law.”
ICE reported that activists alerted the public to unmarked ICE vehicles on several occasions, which led officers to disengage from some targets, including a known drug trafficker.
The agency noted an increase in assaults and threats against its officers. According to ICE, there has been over a 1,300% rise in assaults and an over 8,000% increase in threats directed at their personnel.
Among those arrested were individuals from Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Rwanda, Angola, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador. The charges or convictions for these individuals included offenses such as aggravated assault, drug possession, domestic violence, mail fraud, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, resisting arrest, probation violations, obstructing justice, false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child.
ICE encouraged members of the public to report crimes or suspicious activity through its tip line or online form.
More information about ICE’s operations in Maine is available on X at @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.
