In a significant move to reinforce immigration laws, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated “Operation Catch of the Day” throughout Maine. This operation, which targets criminal illegal aliens with violent crime convictions, follows directives from President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The initiative began on Tuesday, zeroing in on individuals who have been convicted of violent offenses, particularly those affecting public safety and child welfare. This operation reflects the administration’s focus on enhancing security by prioritizing the apprehension of those deemed most dangerous.

On its first day, ICE agents apprehended more than 50 individuals. ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde noted that there are approximately 1,400 targets within Maine, underscoring the scale and ambition of this enforcement effort.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that the operation prioritizes the capture of severe offenders. These include illegal aliens convicted of crimes such as aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and crimes that endanger the welfare of children, all of whom are residing unlawfully in the state.

This substantial crackdown under President Trump’s administration highlights a continued commitment to addressing illegal immigration, particularly focusing on those individuals who pose significant threats to community safety.

DHS said the operation follows ongoing disagreements with Maine officials over cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and comes as the administration increases pressure on jurisdictions it says limit arrests of criminal illegal aliens.

“Governor Mills and her fellow sanctuary politicians in Maine have made it abundantly clear that they would rather stand with criminal illegal aliens than protect law-abiding American citizens,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “We have launched Operation Catch of the Day to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in the state.”

“On the first day of operations, we arrested illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child,” she continued. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are no longer allowing criminal illegal aliens to terrorize American citizens.”

Those taken into custody include Dominic Ali, a criminal illegal alien from Sudan convicted of false imprisonment, aggravated assault, assault, obstructing justice and violation of a protective order.

ICE also arrested Ambessa Berhe, a criminal illegal alien from Ethiopia convicted of aggravated assault and cocaine possession.

Elmara Correia, a criminal illegal alien from Angola who was previously arrested for endangering the welfare of a child, was also taken into custody.

DHS called out Maine Gov. Janet Mills for allegedly preferring to stand with criminal illegal aliens than protect American citizens. (Francis Chung/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Another arrest involved Dany Lopez-Cortez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala convicted of operating under the influence of alcohol.

The Maine operation is part of Trump’s broader nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration, a central pledge of his campaign.

Portland, Maine Mayor Mark Dion last week released a statement opposing a potential ICE presence in the area.

“Our community is anxious and fearful regarding the understanding that ICE is planning to send agents to Portland and Lewiston next week,” Dion said. “There is no evidence of unchecked criminal activity in our community requiring a disproportionate presence of federal agents. In that view, Portland rejects the need for the deployment of ICE agents into our neighborhoods.”

He added that the Portland Police Department does not cooperate with ICE and does not participate in enforcing federal immigration law.