Maine, January 23, 2026
Immigration enforcement operations are intensifying across the United States, notably with ‘Operation Catch of the Day’ launched in Maine, focusing on individuals with criminal histories. A new ICE policy allowing home entries based on administrative warrants has raised significant concerns regarding civil liberties. As federal activities increase, state officials, particularly in Maine and North Carolina, express worries about coordination and community safety, amidst a backdrop of soaring immigration detention numbers nationwide.
Recent Immigration Enforcement Operations Unfold Across U.S., Sparking Concerns Over New Warrant Policy
Maine and other areas across the United States are currently experiencing heightened immigration enforcement activities, as federal agents launched a new operation in Maine and a controversial nationwide policy regarding home entries by immigration officers came to light within the last 48 hours. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated an operation dubbed “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine, targeting individuals with criminal histories. Concurrently, a new internal ICE policy allowing agents to enter homes for civil immigration arrests with administrative warrants, rather than judicial ones, is raising significant legal and civil liberties concerns nationwide.
Operation Catch of the Day Launched in Maine
On Tuesday, January 21, 2026, federal agents commenced “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine, marking a new phase in immigration enforcement in the state. The operation primarily targets individuals residing in the U.S. illegally who also possess criminal histories. Initial reports indicate approximately 50 arrests have been made during the first days of this state-level operation. Those detained so far include individuals from Angola, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Sudan, identified as having criminal backgrounds. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have stated that the aim is to remove individuals who pose public safety threats. However, Maine’s Democratic state leaders have expressed concerns regarding a perceived lack of coordination with federal authorities, leading to heightened anxiety within local communities. Somali immigrants are also among the groups being targeted in this operation.
Nationwide Policy Shift on Home Entry Warrants
A significant nationwide development in immigration enforcement tactics emerged this week concerning a new internal ICE policy. A May 12, 2025, memorandum from Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons reportedly authorizes ICE officers to enter private residences to carry out civil immigration arrests based solely on administrative warrants (Form I-205). This controversial policy change allows agents to bypass the requirement for a judicial warrant, consent from residents, or an immediate emergency, which has historically been the standard for home entries by law enforcement. Advocates and legal experts nationwide are raising concerns that this policy may infringe upon Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures and could alter longstanding advice given to immigrant communities regarding their rights during interactions with immigration agents. The Department of Homeland Security has not historically relied on administrative warrants alone for such entries. This shift is part of a broader, nationwide expansion of immigration arrests, involving the deployment of thousands of officers across the country.
Ongoing Enforcement in North Carolina and Minnesota
Beyond the recent developments, immigration enforcement continues actively in other states. In Charlotte, North Carolina, Operation Charlotte’s Web, which targets criminal illegal aliens, remains a focus. On January 20, 2026, ICE announced an arrest under this operation involving an individual accused of killing a 15-year-old girl in a hit-and-run incident. This state-level operation has surged resources to North Carolina, specifically targeting criminal illegal aliens, particularly those who have been released due to local sanctuary policies. Protests against Operation Charlotte’s Web occurred in Charlotte in November 2025, reflecting community concerns over the enforcement actions.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is seeing continued activity under Operation Metro Surge, an ongoing state-level operation that commenced in December 2025. This operation has led to over 3,000 arrests throughout Minnesota, with a primary focus on the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. A notable incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when an ICE agent shot a Venezuelan man during an apprehension in Minneapolis, leading to public demonstrations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has commented on the situation, stating that the extensive ICE deployment in the city is “not sustainable”.
Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement
These recent operations and policy shifts occur within a larger nationwide context of increased immigration enforcement. The number of individuals held in immigration detention has reached historic levels, with figures indicating over 59,000 people in custody as of September 2025. This represents a significant increase in detention figures nationwide. The broader strategy emphasizes targeting individuals with criminal convictions, although data indicates a substantial portion of those detained nationwide have no criminal conviction, or only minor offenses. The expansion of detention capabilities and the ongoing enforcement campaigns underscore the evolving landscape of immigration policy across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Operation Catch of the Day?
Operation Catch of the Day is a state-level immigration enforcement initiative launched by federal agents in Maine on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, targeting individuals in the U.S. illegally who also have criminal histories.
What is the new nationwide ICE warrant policy?
A new nationwide internal ICE policy, detailed in a May 12, 2025, memorandum, reportedly authorizes ICE officers to enter homes for civil immigration arrests using only administrative warrants (Form I-205), without requiring a judicial warrant, consent, or an emergency.
What is Operation Charlotte’s Web?
Operation Charlotte’s Web is a state-level immigration enforcement operation in North Carolina, specifically Charlotte, focusing on criminal illegal aliens, particularly those released due to local sanctuary policies.
What is Operation Metro Surge?
Operation Metro Surge is an ongoing state-level immigration operation in Minnesota that began in December 2025, resulting in over 3,000 arrests, primarily in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.
Are ICE detention numbers increasing nationwide?
Yes, nationwide detention figures have reached historic levels, with over 59,000 people in ICE custody as of September 2025.
Key Features of Recent Immigration Enforcement Operations
| Operation Name | Location/Scope | Start Date (approx.) | Primary Focus | Key Developments/Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Catch of the Day | Maine (State-level) | January 21, 2026 | Illegal immigrants with criminal histories | Approximately 50 arrests; targets include individuals from Angola, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Sudan. Local officials raise concerns over coordination. |
| New Nationwide Warrant Policy | Nationwide | May 12, 2025 (memo date, policy recently highlighted) | Home entries for civil immigration arrests | Authorizes use of administrative warrants (Form I-205) without judicial warrant or consent. Raising Fourth Amendment concerns. |
| Operation Charlotte’s Web | Charlotte, North Carolina (State-level) | Ongoing (recent arrest Jan 20, 2026) | Criminal illegal aliens, especially those released due to sanctuary policies | Recent arrest related to hit-and-run death of a 15-year-old. Surged resources to North Carolina. |
| Operation Metro Surge | Minnesota (State-level) | December 2025 | Immigration enforcement throughout Minnesota | Over 3,000 arrests. January 14, 2026 shooting incident involving ICE agent and Venezuelan man. Minneapolis Mayor expressed concern over sustainability. |
| Overall Detention Levels | Nationwide | As of September 2025 | Immigration detention capacity and detainees | Over 59,000 people in ICE custody, reaching historic levels. |
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