Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has touted its recent operation in Maine as targeting the 'worst of the worst' criminals, but court records reveal a more nuanced picture. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Catch of the Day,' resulted in over 100 detentions statewide, with ICE highlighting cases involving child abusers and hostage takers.
While some detainees indeed have serious criminal convictions, others have unresolved immigration proceedings or were arrested but never convicted. Immigration attorneys and local officials have raised concerns that similar enforcement surges in other cities have also targeted individuals without criminal records.
One case ICE highlighted is that of Dominic Ali, a Sudan native convicted of false imprisonment, aggravated assault, and other offenses. However, other cases are less clear-cut. For instance, Elmara Correia, an Angola native, was charged with a learner's permit violation in 2023, but the case was dismissed. Her attorney says she entered the US legally on a student visa and has never faced expedited removal.
Portland Mayor Mark Dion questioned whether ICE's narrative matches reality, noting that the agency failed to distinguish between arrests and convictions. He pointed to the case of Dany Lopez-Cortez, whom ICE described as a 'criminal illegal alien' convicted of operating under the influence, asking whether such an offense truly qualifies as 'worst of the worst.'
Boston immigration attorney Caitlyn Burgess filed habeas petitions for four clients detained in Maine and transferred to Massachusetts, saying the most serious charge any faced was driving without a license. Attorney Samantha McHugh filed five similar petitions, stating none of her clients have criminal records and were detained while at work or eating lunch.
Federal court records show that immigration cases involving criminal convictions can remain unresolved for years. The case of Ambessa Berhe, whose mug shot was included in ICE materials, remains unclear.
