Latest ICE Surge in Maine Targets Somali Community |
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Trump’s deportation machine has touched down in Maine. As the state, home to a significant share of the Somali American community, faces a surge of ICE activity, we’re joined by Safiya Khalid, the first-ever Somali American city councilmember for Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city. Lewiston’s “streets are completely empty” as residents of all immigration statuses fear harassment and violence from unchecked federal agents. “If a white woman was shot in the face, none of us are safe,” warns Khalid, referring to the recent killing of Renee Good by ICE in Minneapolis. She advises “people to stay home and do not leave your home.”
This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.
NERMEEN SHAIKH: We turn now to Maine, where immigration agents have launched a new enforcement surge, dubbed Operation Catch of the Day. ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde told Fox News they’re targeting some 1,400 people and have arrested at least 50 so far. Reports of ICE activity have been concentrated in the Greater Portland area and the city of Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city. Both cities have significant Somali populations. School officials in Portland report attendance is down overall by as much as 20% in some schools.
This is Portland Mayor Mark Dion speaking Wednesday.
MAYOR MARK DION: Our communities feel anxious and fearful. They see this action as unpredictable and a threat to their families. Collectively and individually, we’ve done everything we can to assure them that we believe in their right to be safe, and we’ve tried to direct resources their way.
AMY GOODMAN: Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused Maine officials of protecting criminals.
For more, we go to Lewiston, where we’re joined by Safiya Khalid, former city councilmember in Lewiston, Maine, who became the first Somali American to hold that role when she was elected in 2019. She now leads an advocacy group called Community Organizing Alliance, which is responding on the ground right now to the ICE........