PORTLAND, Maine – U.S. Senator Susan Collins has announced that immigration authorities have halted their intensified operations in Maine, following a recent enforcement surge resulting in over 100 arrests.

Collins, a Republican, shared this development after multiple discussions with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“Currently, there are no ongoing or planned extensive ICE operations in Maine,” Collins stated. “I have consistently urged Secretary Noem and other members of the Administration to have ICE reassess its immigration enforcement strategy in our state.”

This statement follows President Donald Trump’s indication of a possible reduction in tensions in Minneapolis after a second fatal incident involving federal immigration agents.

According to Collins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border patrol agents will continue their standard operations, which have been in place for many years.

Her announcement came more than a week after immigration officers began an operation dubbed “Catch of the Day” by ICE. Federal officials said about 50 arrests were made the first day and that roughly 1,400 people were operational targets in the mostly rural state of 1.4 million residents, 4% of whom are foreign-born.

By late last week, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said some of the more than 100 arrests were of people “convicted of horrific crimes including aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.”

The veteran senator is facing reelection this year and could face Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who announced her candidacy in October.

Mills has challenged immigration officials to provide judicial warrants, real-time arrest numbers and basic information about who is being detained in Maine. She also called on Collins to act after the House’s GOP majority defeated efforts by Democrats to curtail ICE funding.

Mills’ office did not immediately respond to an Associated Press email seeking comment from the governor on Collins’ announcement.

Collins has avoided criticizing ICE tactics, other than to say that people who are in the country legally should not be the target of ICE investigations. She also said policies she has advocated for, including providing body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE personnel, could help improve accountability and trust.