DHS Launches 'Operation Catch of the Day' Targeting Immigrants in Maine

(LEAD - max 35 words) DHS launched 'Operation Catch of the Day' in Maine on Tuesday, and ICE deputy assistant director Patricia Hyde said it targeted about 1,400 people and produced roughly 50 arrests on the first day.

(CONTEXT - max 35 words) The operation follows protests over ICE tactics in Minneapolis after the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good and mirrors previous DHS enforcement surges deployed in other states.

(RESPONSE - max 35 words) Gov. Janet Mills called aggressive enforcement that 'undermines civil rights' not welcome, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said she declined a request for undercover Maine license plates, and U.S. Attorney Andrew Benson urged peaceful protests.

(SCALE - max 35 words) Maine, a state of about 1.4 million residents, has roughly 1,400 people on ICE's target list and DHS said arrests included people convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child.

(FORWARD - max 35 words) Officials did not say how long the operation will run, and Maine has paused issuance of new undercover license plates pending assurances from federal agencies.