Maine Governor Janet Mills has requested a direct meeting with President Donald Trump following a deadly shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The incident, which marked the second fatal shooting of a civilian by a federal agent in the city this month, has raised serious concerns among state leaders as immigration enforcement expands nationwide.
The Maine ICE Deployment Shooting comes amid the Trump administration’s large-scale effort to increase federal immigration actions across multiple states. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced the launch of “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine. As part of that operation, federal agents have already been deployed to the state.
Governor Mills, a Democrat, said she was deeply troubled by reports of another person killed during a federal immigration operation. In a statement released Saturday, she described the use of federal law enforcement in local communities as dangerous and unconstitutional. She said the actions taken by federal officials threaten the safety of people who are legally present and living peacefully in affected states, including Maine.
Mills said she is asking to meet the president in person to demand the immediate withdrawal of federal agents from her state. Her request includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other federal personnel involved in immigration enforcement. She argued that these agents are not properly trained to operate within local communities and are creating fear rather than safety.
According to the governor, federal agents have detained people who are legally present in the country and, in some cases, individuals connected to local law enforcement. She warned that such actions weaken trust between communities and authorities. Mills said this breakdown in trust makes cities and towns less safe and increases the risk of violence.
The governor also called on members of Congress to take action. She urged lawmakers to hold a public hearing with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to address federal enforcement tactics. Mills further asked Congress to block funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement until what she described as unlawful and dangerous practices are stopped.
Her comments came as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on a critical funding bill. The measure must pass by Friday to prevent a government shutdown. The bill includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees federal immigration operations.
Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the funding package following the Minneapolis shooting. Several senators said they cannot support additional funding while concerns about federal agent conduct remain unresolved. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would vote against the bill, citing the latest fatal incident as a key reason.
The Republican-backed proposal requires support from at least eight Democratic senators to pass. After the recent shooting, political observers say reaching that number appears unlikely. The growing divide highlights how the Maine ICE Deployment Shooting is shaping the national debate over immigration enforcement and federal authority.
In her statement, Mills also addressed residents of Maine directly. She praised people across the state who have taken part in peaceful demonstrations in response to federal actions. She encouraged continued nonviolent protest, saying it reflects Maine’s commitment to democratic values.
The governor said peaceful protest shows support for the rule of law, due process, compassion, integrity, and justice. She added that standing up for these principles is essential during times of national tension.
As federal immigration operations continue to expand, state leaders like Mills are pressing for accountability and limits on enforcement. The Maine ICE Deployment Shooting has intensified scrutiny of federal tactics and may influence both congressional decisions and future relations between states and the White House.
