Representative Jared Golden, a Maine Democrat, urged constituents not to interfere with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations ramping up in the state, saying their presence “serves the public interest.”
Why It Matters
ICE is facing intensified scrutiny following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an agent in Minneapolis earlier this month. Recent reports alleging aggressive enforcement tactics—such as claims that children have been used as “bait”—have fueled criticism of the agency.
This week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine. Golden, who represents the state’s more conservative-leaning 2nd Congressional District, was among a small group of Democrats who voted this week to advance a DHS funding measure as the operation unfolds in his home state.
What to Know
The ICE presence in Maine has drawn condemnation and concern from many Democrats, including Governor Janet Mills. Golden, however, took a different approach in a statement released Thursday, arguing that agents have “the right and responsibility to enforce federal laws, including immigration laws.”
He framed the effort as focused on criminal activity rather than broad sweeps.
“A targeted law enforcement operation focused on individuals who have engaged in criminal activity serves the public interest,” he wrote, adding that DHS should prioritize enforcement while remaining compliant with federal law.
Golden also addressed the possibility of protests. Demonstrations have occurred in Portland, Maine’s largest city, but have largely remained peaceful and have not drawn the same level of national attention as protests surrounding the Minneapolis shooting.
“Free speech and lawful protest are protected rights, but regardless of how anyone feels about immigration policy or ICE’s tactics, people must not obstruct or impede law enforcement activities,” Golden wrote. “And all of us—including public officials—must resist the urge to amplify tensions or spread unverified reports. That is a recipe for confrontation and escalation that helps no one.”
His remarks quickly drew backlash from the left. Commentator Wajahat Ali responded on X: “Retire today, you feckless coward.”
Golden represents a district anchored by conservative rural areas, alongside cities such as Bangor and Lewiston. In 2024, Donald Trump carried the district by nearly 10 points over then–Vice President Kamala Harris, while Golden won his own race by less than a percentage point.
The 2nd District is the more conservative of Maine’s two congressional seats, even as the state tends to lean Democratic in statewide contests. Maine backed Harris by about seven points in 2024 and has not awarded its statewide electoral votes to Trump.
Golden and six other Democrats voted Thursday to pass the DHS spending measure.
What People Are Saying
Journalist Jonathan Cohn wrote on X Thursday: “Jared Golden isn’t running again. He has no need to pander to Trump voters in his final days in office. He’s just a bad person who wants bad things.”
Governor Janet Mills wrote Thursday: “I recognize that many people across Maine are fearful in the wake of ICE’s announcement that it has launched an operation in Maine, and my Administration remains in close contact with municipal officials, including in Lewiston and Portland, as well as with organizations across Maine, to monitor ICE activity and ensure the safety and civil rights of people across Maine are protected. If the Federal government has warrants, then it should show them. But if they are separating working mothers from young children, solely because they sought freedom here and have committed no crime, then the Federal government is only sowing intimidation and fear and fostering division and suspicion among neighbors – none of which is welcome.”
Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, said earlier this week: “Immigrants have long been an important part of our state, and they continue to make valuable contributions to our communities. People who are in this country legally should not be targets of ICE investigations. They should be able to continue to go to work, school, and other public places and carry on with their normal lives. If for some reason an individual who is here legally is improperly detained, they should seek assistance through advocacy networks and the legal system.
There are people in Maine and elsewhere who have entered this country illegally and who have engaged in criminal activity. They could be subject to arrest and deportation pursuant to the laws of the United States, and people who are exercising the right to peacefully gather and protest their government should be careful not to interfere with law enforcement efforts while doing so.”
What Happens Next
Heightened immigration enforcement is expected to continue in Maine and across the country. Golden has said he will not seek reelection this year, leaving open a seat in a district Trump has carried in each of his three presidential bids.
