“Show the diary.” Maine governor demands data on arrests as fear spreads in federal immigration operations

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s Democratic governor demanded federal immigration officials Thursday to provide arrest warrants, real-time arrest numbers and basic information about who is being detained in a sweeping enforcement operation in her state, saying residents have been left largely in the dark as fear spreads through immigrant communities.

“If they have warrants, show search warrants. In America, we don’t believe in secret arrests or secret police,” Gov. Janet Mills said at a news conference, adding that state officials do not know where detainees are being held.

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Mills said President Donald Trump’s office did not return her phone calls about the operation that began this week. Federal officials said about 50 people were arrested on the first day, and that nearly 1,400 people are targets of the crackdown in the rural state of 1.4 million, 4 percent of whom are foreign-born and a smaller number reside illegally.

The state says it lacks basic information

The operation in Maine comes as confrontations continue between demonstrators in Minnesota and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. ICE is under scrutiny in that case after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an agent.

Law enforcement activity has raised concerns in Maine’s largest cities, including Portland and Lewiston, which are home to large numbers of immigrants and refugees, especially from African countries. Community leaders say some families stay home, avoid work and keep their children home from school for fear of arrest.

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Mills said the lack of information made it difficult for state officials to assess the scope or justification of the operation.

“I’m curious to know more about their alleged target,” she said. “Why who? Why now? What orders came from above? Who is giving the orders? We have communicated and asked questions. We have no answers.”

Mills said she would be shocked if federal agents were able to substantiate allegations that so many people in Maine have criminal charges against them.

“We mostly hear reports of people who have not been involved in any criminal activity,” she said. “If someone has evidence of criminal activity, we want to hear about it.”

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Mills said school districts were “on alert,” especially in Portland and Lewiston, and that some students were not attending classes. She also said that companies that rely heavily on migrant workers have reported unrest.

“People are being separated from their families, from young children, from people who are part of the workforce here in Maine — the workforce that we need so badly and value so much,” Mills said.

Schools and businesses are feeling the ripple effects

The increased enforcement has drawn sharp criticism from Maine Democrats, who say the process is unnecessarily disruptive in a state with a relatively small undocumented population.

Portland Public Schools said earlier this week that two schools went into a brief “lockdown” to prevent anyone from entering during the school day amid concerns about nearby enforcement activity, though officials said no threat was ultimately found and the lockdowns were lifted within minutes.

Mills stressed that people are legally allowed to record law enforcement activities in public places, as long as they do not interfere with officers.

Federal officials defend the operation

The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for updated arrest numbers, warrant information or details about where detainees are being held.

DHS previously said the operation targeted what it described as “the worst illegal alien criminals,” citing arrests involving convictions for aggravated assault, false imprisonment and child endangerment.

Maine’s top federal prosecutor urged any demonstrations to remain peaceful and warned that people who interfere with federal agents could face prosecution. Mills said the state respects the law but questions the need for what she described as a tough approach.

Residents gathered to demand proper legal procedures

A small group of protesters gathered Thursday afternoon outside the ICE field office in Scarborough. College student Ava Gleason of Scarborough said she joined the protest to signal opposition to what she described as fear spreading through the community.

“Maine is one of those places where you look out for your neighbors,” Gleason said. “We are a community, and to see people coming and tearing this community apart is terrifying.”

In downtown Portland, resident Dave Coy held a cardboard sign reading “Due Process” in red and blue. He said he was concerned about the scope of immigration enforcement and raised questions about whether new recruits were receiving adequate training.

“People are being kidnapped from the streets and taken to undisclosed locations,” Cui said. “We are told that we have to prove our nationality, not everyone walks around with a passport in their pocket.”

Coy cited a recently disclosed internal ICE memo obtained by The Associated Press that allows agents, under certain circumstances, to forcibly enter homes without a warrant, relying instead on administrative orders.

“These agents are not well trained in crowd control, and they believe they have rights they do not have,” Coy said. “It goes against the Constitution.”

Willingham reported from Boston.