Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine warned that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruits are getting rushed into the field and “their training has not been as thorough and extensive as it should be.”
Collins said she also asked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to pause ICE operations in Maine and Minnesota.
Newsweek reached out to ICE via email on Tuesday for comment.
Why It Matters
Collins’ warning adds to intra-Republican pressure on the Trump administration over immigration enforcement as senators face a funding deadline and debate new potential limits on ICE tactics after two deadly shootings in Minneapolis.
The Maine lawmaker’s remarks come as Democrats moved to block a DHS funding bill.
What To Know
Collins said she spoke with Noem on Monday, Maine Public Radio reports, and asked for a pause on ICE operations in both states so they could be “reviewed and far more targeted in their scope.”
The senator said her constituents are calling and expressing concerns over an ICE operation taking people who are here legally, the outlet says. Noem reportedly asked for examples of that happening and Collins is compiling a list.
ICE operations surged in Minnesota’s Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul following a Trump administration push that also sent agents to other cities throughout the U.S. Tensions have escalated after the fatal shooting of 37-year-olds Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good this month, which prompted calls from both parties for thorough investigations and for Noem’s resignation.
Maine Public Radio also reports that Collins still stands by her calls to fund DHS.
What People Are Saying
Collins, on X Tuesday: “I have spoken with the White House and with DHS Secretary Noem about the ICE operations. I asked Secretary Noem to pause the operations in both Maine and Minnesota. I believe they should be reviewed and far more targeted in their scope. I have also called for an independent investigation into the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti. At this time of heightened tensions, these steps are necessary to help improve trust, accountability, and safety.”
Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, on X Tuesday: “.@POTUS @realDonaldTrump: I make a direct appeal to immediately fire @Sec_Noem. Americans have died. She is betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing your border security legacy. DO NOT make the mistake President Biden made for not firing a grossly incompetent DHS Secretary.”
Trump, via Truth Social Monday: “I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me. Separately, a major investigation is going on with respect to the massive 20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota, and is at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets. Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at ‘Congresswoman’ Illhan [sic] Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT”
What Happens Next
Lawmakers face a Friday deadline to fund DHS as Democrats seek to attach potential constraints on ICE operations.
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