Photo: AFP
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine, an effort aimed at removing what the agency described as the “worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.”
According to Fox News, more than 50 people were arrested on Tuesday (January 20), the first day of the operation, before more arrests occurred on Wednesday (January 21).
ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde said authorities have identified approximately 1,400 targets in the state. Crimes among those on the target list include aggravated assault, false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child, child rape, sexual assault, drug trafficking, simple assault, and driving under the influence, according to ICE.
“You name it,” Hyde said. “They’re on the target list.”
The arrests from "Operation Catch of the Day" have thus far included Dominic Ali, of Sudan, who is convicted of false imprisonment, aggravated assault, assault, obstructing justice, and violation of a protective order, Ambessa Berhe, of Ethiopia, convicted of aggravated assault and cocaine possession, Elmara Correia, of Angola, previously arrested for endangering the welfare of a child, and Dany Lopez-Cortez, of Guatemala, convicted of operating under the influence of alcohol.
The operation has drawn widespread criticism from local officials.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said ICE’s raids reflect “a complete lack of humanity and concern for basic human welfare,” calling the masked federal agents “causing long-term damage to our state and to our country.”
Portland Mayor Mark Dion similarly voiced opposition to the operation, saying, “Our community is anxious and fearful regarding the understanding that ICE is planning to send agents to Portland and Lewiston next week… There is no evidence of unchecked criminal activity in our community requiring a disproportionate presence of federal agents.”
ICE maintains that the operation targets individuals with prior convictions, and U.S. citizens are only arrested if they violate statutes enforced by ICE.
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