Court records raise doubts that ICE is detaining the ‘worst of the worst’ in MaineFederal immigration officials say more than 100 people have been detained in Maine this week as part of an enforcement surge targeting what ICE calls “the worst of the worst.”ByPATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press, HOLLY RAMER Associated Press, and LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated PressJanuary 24, 2026, 12:26 AMPORTLAND, Maine -- Immigration and Customs Enforcement has highlighted the detention of people whom it called some of Maine’s most dangerous criminals during operations this past week, but court records paint a more complicated picture. Federal officials say more than 100 people have been detained statewide in what ICE dubbed “Operation Catch of the Day,” a reference to the fishing industry. ICE said in a statement that it was arresting the “worst of the worst,” including “child abusers and hostage takers.” Court records show some were violent felons. But they also show other detainees with unresolved immigration proceedings or who were arrested but never convicted of a crime. Immigration attorneys and local officials say similar concerns have surfaced in other cities where ICE has conducted enforcement surges and many of those targeted lacked criminal records.
