Federal Agents Detain Maine Farmworkers Following January Enforcement Surge

Federal agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted immigration enforcement actions in Skowhegan and Brunswick, Maine, on February 10, 2026. In Skowhegan, agents detained more than a dozen farmworkers near Backyard Farms housing, including one reported arrest of an unaccompanied child without an administrative warrant.

These operations follow Operation Catch of the Day, a January enforcement surge centered in Portland and Lewiston. While the office of Senator Susan Collins described the Skowhegan action as a long-term targeted effort rather than a continuation of the January surge, the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition warned the raids may signal a new phase of enhanced enforcement in rural areas.

Governor Janet Mills, Senator Angus King, and Representative Chellie Pingree criticized the federal government's lack of communication regarding these actions. The officials have requested detailed information from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem concerning the necessity and current status of these operations.