Feds won’t confirm whether ICE surge is coming to Maine

The Department of Homeland Security on Friday refused to confirm whether a wave of federal immigration agents is on its way to Maine, despite [preparations](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/15/how-maine-businesses-are-preparing-for-ice-enforcement-actions/) and reminders from state and local officials and [widespread rumors](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/15/how-maine-organizers-are-preparing-for-a-potential-ice-surge/) that have sparked fear in many communities. Gov. Janet Mills, as well as [leaders in Lewiston, Portland and other communities](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/14/lewiston-portland-leaders-brace-for-wave-of-immigration-enforcement/) across the state, say they’re bracing for a surge in agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, even as federal officials maintain that they cannot disclose future operations. [](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/15/susan-collins-questions-rationale-for-a-large-scale-ice-operation-in-maine/) Related [Susan Collins questions ‘rationale’ for a large-scale ICE operation in Maine](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/15/susan-collins-questions-rationale-for-a-large-scale-ice-operation-in-maine/) Mills said in a video statement this week that she’s directed local officials to be prepared for increased ICE presence and warned federal agents that provocative tactics that “undermine... --- *Note: This is a summarized excerpt. Click the source link above to read the full story.*