Susan Collins says DHS Sec Kristi Noem is pulling agents from Maine

Moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine has said that ICE has ended its "enhanced activities" in the state of Maine, and that a number of agents have been pulled from the state in recent days. This comes as the Department of Homeland Security has been facing more scrutiny after the shooting of anti-ICE agitator Alex Pretti.

"While the Department of Homeland Security does not confirm law enforcement operations, I can report that Secretary Noem has informed me that ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the State of Maine. There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here. I have been urging Secretary Noem and others in the Administration to get ICE to reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state," the Maine senator said.

"I appreciate the Secretary's willingness to listen to and consider my recommendations and her personal attention to the situation in Maine. ICE and Customs and Border Patrol will continue their normal operations that have been ongoing here for many years. I will continue to work with the Secretary on efforts to end illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and other transnational criminal activity," Collins added.

She had previously said she would speak to the White House about pausing ICE "operations in both Maine and Minnesota." She said, "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."

Collins, one of the more moderate Republicans in the Senate, often voting with the Democrats, did not clarify what the "enhanced activities" were, and it is not clear what ICE operations will look like going forward in the state.