THE FOLLOW UP
Jan 21, 2026 · dhs.gov
Important News

ICE launches "Operation Catch of the Day" in Maine to arrest noncitizens with criminal convictions

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Key takeaways

  • ICE announced "Operation Catch of the Day" on Jan. 21, 2026, an enforcement effort across the state of Maine.
  • The operation targets what the agency calls the "worst of the worst" criminal illegal aliens.
  • ICE said the operation began the previous day and cited arrests for aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.
  • Named individuals arrested on the first day include Dominic Ali (from Sudan), Ambessa Berhe (from Ethiopia), Elmara Correia (from Angola), and Dany Lopez-Cortez (from Guatemala), with the release listing their convictions.
  • Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement blaming Maine "sanctuary" officials and saying the effort reflects priorities under President Trump and DHS Secretary Noem.
  • The release frames the operation as a federal response to local sanctuary policies in Maine.

Follow Up Questions

Under what legal authority is ICE conducting arrests and removals in Maine?Expand

ICE is acting under federal immigration statutes and delegated DHS authority: the Immigration and Nationality Act as enforced by DHS (8 U.S.C. §1103), which charges the Secretary of Homeland Security with immigration administration; 8 U.S.C. §1357, which grants immigration officers arrest/interrogation/search powers; and statutes governing detention and removal (e.g., 8 U.S.C. §§1226 and 1231). ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) executes those arrests and removals. (See DHS release.)

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