Maine ICE Surge Scraped Amid Call for Overhaul of US Border Enforcement
In a move that appears to be a direct response to growing bipartisan pressure, the Trump administration has scrapped plans to increase Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in Maine. The decision comes just days after border czar Tom Homan called for "improvements" across the US.
According to reports, Sen. Susan Collins announced on Thursday that ICE will be ending its "enhanced activities" in the state but will continue with normal operations. Collins' statement was met with relief from local residents and community leaders who had been vocal in their opposition to the planned surge.
The news follows a series of developments in Minneapolis, where Homan delivered remarks at a press conference criticizing the city's ICE operations. While Homan vowed to stay in the city until the issue is resolved, he also acknowledged that some changes are needed. "I'm not here because the federal government has carried this mission out perfectly," he said. "We've recognized that certain improvements could and should be made."
The Trump administration's decision to scrap the Maine ICE surge appears to be a response to intense pressure from lawmakers and community leaders following the killing of Alex Pretti and Nicole Good by ICE officers in Minneapolis. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for reform within ICE.
In addition to the drawdown in Maine, Homan also announced that ICE would reduce its presence in Minneapolis, which had been under scrutiny due to reports of aggressive tactics employed by agents. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was removed from his role as "commander-at-large" of ICE officers in Minneapolis on Tuesday.
The decision has been welcomed by some lawmakers who have long called for reforms within the agency. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., even went so far as to say that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should be resigning due to her handling of ICE operations in Minnesota. "I think what she's done in Minnesota should be disqualifying," he said.
The developments in Maine and Minneapolis come at a time when the Trump administration is facing increased scrutiny over its border enforcement policies. With the 2024 presidential election looming, the administration appears to be seeking to shore up support among Republicans by making changes that are seen as more palatable to voters.
In a move that appears to be a direct response to growing bipartisan pressure, the Trump administration has scrapped plans to increase Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in Maine. The decision comes just days after border czar Tom Homan called for "improvements" across the US.
According to reports, Sen. Susan Collins announced on Thursday that ICE will be ending its "enhanced activities" in the state but will continue with normal operations. Collins' statement was met with relief from local residents and community leaders who had been vocal in their opposition to the planned surge.
The news follows a series of developments in Minneapolis, where Homan delivered remarks at a press conference criticizing the city's ICE operations. While Homan vowed to stay in the city until the issue is resolved, he also acknowledged that some changes are needed. "I'm not here because the federal government has carried this mission out perfectly," he said. "We've recognized that certain improvements could and should be made."
The Trump administration's decision to scrap the Maine ICE surge appears to be a response to intense pressure from lawmakers and community leaders following the killing of Alex Pretti and Nicole Good by ICE officers in Minneapolis. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for reform within ICE.
In addition to the drawdown in Maine, Homan also announced that ICE would reduce its presence in Minneapolis, which had been under scrutiny due to reports of aggressive tactics employed by agents. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was removed from his role as "commander-at-large" of ICE officers in Minneapolis on Tuesday.
The decision has been welcomed by some lawmakers who have long called for reforms within the agency. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., even went so far as to say that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should be resigning due to her handling of ICE operations in Minnesota. "I think what she's done in Minnesota should be disqualifying," he said.
The developments in Maine and Minneapolis come at a time when the Trump administration is facing increased scrutiny over its border enforcement policies. With the 2024 presidential election looming, the administration appears to be seeking to shore up support among Republicans by making changes that are seen as more palatable to voters.
. I mean, who needs a bunch of ICE agents traipsing around when you've got more important things to deal with... like the impending ice storm 
. Anyway, it's kinda interesting that Collins was all like "relief" and not "we're gonna try to make some actual changes". Can't say I blame her though, those community leaders have been super vocal about their concerns 
. Maybe this is a sign that the Trump admin is finally getting the memo? Fingers crossed they don't just flip flop again 
.
, finally! Collins' a hero for opposing this surge 
, hope she keeps pushing for real reform.
It's about time someone listened to the people of Maine and did something about this whole thing. And I'm glad Tom Homan is finally saying that some changes need to be made - it's about time he admitted that ICE isn't perfect. 
The killing of Alex Pretti and Nicole Good was just so sad and unjust, and I think this decision is a big step in the right direction. Let's hope this means more reforms are on the way! 
I gotta say, this news about ICE scrapping plans in Maine is a bit of a mixed bag for me. On one hand, it's great to see some relief from local residents who were opposed to the idea of a surge. But on the other hand, I'm worried that this is just a temporary fix and we're not really addressing the underlying issues with ICE. I mean, the fact that they're just scaling back instead of making actual changes to their policies and procedures is kinda concerning. And what's going on in Minneapolis? It feels like they're trying to send a message without actually doing anything concrete. I guess only time will tell if this is just a PR stunt or a real attempt at reform...
The whole thing just smelled like another attempt to look good on paper before the next election rolls around. I mean, come on, Tom Homan is basically saying they need some "improvements" while also acknowledging that they've been doing it all wrong in Minneapolis... 
. Not sure what kind of "improvements" we can expect now, but I'm guessing more PR fluff than actual reforms 
to me.
, finally some sense in this country! I mean, who wants ICE agents roaming around their state like a bunch of vigilantes? 
Maine was literally the only place with a proposed surge and it's crazy they just scrapped it now. I guess all those local folks must have really spoken up about it. You can't blame 'em either - that Alex Pretti and Nicole Good thing is still fresh in everyone's minds and it's disgusting what happened.
It's crazy that a tragic incident like Alex Pretti & Nicole Good's death would be the catalyst for change, but at least something's being done, right? 
. The whole thing about scrappin' plans for ICE in Maine seems like a ploy to make folks think they're listenin', but really, it's all about maintainin' control and keepin' the status quo 
. I mean, what's behind this sudden change of heart? Was it just the backlash from that Minneapolis incident? Or is there somethin' more goin' on? 
. And what about all these "improvements" Tom Homan keeps talkin' about? What's his real motive here?