Maine Senator Angus King Speaks Out Against ICE's 'Catch of the Day' Operation
In a recent interview on Face the Nation, Maine Independent Senator Angus King expressed his concerns about the impact of ICE's 'Catch of the Day' operation in his state. The operation, which targets 1400 alleged criminal aliens, has resulted in over 100 arrests, but many question its true intentions and methods.Senator King Criticizes ICE's Methods
According to Senator King, the 'Catch of the Day' operation is a pretext for targeting people who are here legally. He claims that many of those arrested have zero criminal record and are in the process of seeking asylum or have green cards. One such case involves a recruit for the sheriff's office who was stopped and detained despite having no prior convictions.
The 'Worst of the Worst' Website: A Misleading Tool?
Senator King also questioned the accuracy of the 'worst of the worst' website established by DHS. The site lists 13 people in Maine as being arrested, but Senator King points out that this is likely an undercount. He wants to know who the other individuals are and why they were not included on the list.
The Real Impact of 'Catch of the Day'
Senator King emphasized that the real impact of the operation is being felt by communities in Maine, particularly those with Somali immigrants. People are afraid to send their kids to school or go to work due to the presence of heavily armed ICE agents. Businesses are suffering as a result, and families are sending food to friends who are too afraid to venture out.
A Different Approach in the Past
Senator King noted that during the Obama administration, there were 2.7 million removals without the same level of controversy or incidents as seen today. He believes that it is possible to enforce immigration laws without resorting to heavy-handed tactics and terrorizing communities.
The 'Catch of the Day' operation has sparked concerns about ICE's methods and intentions in Maine. Senator King's criticisms highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement, one that balances security with compassion and respect for human rights.
