ICE Detentions in Maine: A Closer Look at “Operation Catch of the Day”
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Recent activities by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Maine have sparked significant discussion. ICE claims to have detained over 100 individuals during “Operation Catch of the Day,” focusing on what they describe as some of Maine’s most dangerous criminals, including “child abusers and hostage takers.” However, court documents reveal a more complex situation.
While some of those detained under the operation have been identified as violent felons, others are caught in unresolved immigration proceedings or were arrested without subsequent convictions. This pattern has raised concerns among immigration lawyers and local officials, who note that similar practices have been observed in other U.S. cities.
One highlighted case involves Dominic Ali, originally from Sudan. Convicted of multiple offenses, including false imprisonment and aggravated assault, Ali’s actions were described by Judge James Barry in 2009 as “nothing less than torture” during sentencing. Although a removal order was issued in 2013, details about Ali’s current status remain unclear.
Another case ICE highlighted is that of Elmara Correia, an Angolan native. ICE’s description of Correia as previously arrested for child endangerment contrasts with Maine court records, which show charges related to a learner’s permit violation, later dismissed. Her detention is currently being challenged in court.
Portland Mayor Mark Dion has voiced concerns about ICE’s narrative, questioning whether it adequately distinguishes between arrests and convictions. Dion also pointed to the case of Dany Lopez-Cortez, a Guatemalan national convicted of operating under the influence, questioning whether such offenses align with ICE’s portrayal of targeting the “worst of the worst.”
Immigration attorneys have stepped in, filing habeas petitions to challenge the detention of several individuals. Caitlyn Burgess, an immigration lawyer from Boston, noted that the most severe charge among her detained clients was driving without a license, and all had pending immigration cases. Samantha McHugh, another attorney, reported that none of her clients have criminal records, emphasizing that they were detained while at work.
Federal court records indicate that immigration cases, even those involving criminal convictions, may remain pending or be revisited over time. Ambessa Berhe, whose past convictions include cocaine possession and assaulting a police officer, had a removal order vacated in 2006 for further review.
ICE’s operation reportedly aims to target around 1,400 immigrants within Maine, a state where approximately 4% of the 1.4 million residents are foreign-born.
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Associated Press journalist Rodrique Ngowi contributed to this report.
