The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has turned its attention to Maine as part of a new immigration enforcement effort.

On Wednesday, DHS announced the launch of “Operation Catch of the Day,” an initiative aimed at apprehending undocumented immigrants with criminal records in the state, according to a DHS spokesperson.

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blamed Maine Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, and what she described as “sanctuary politicians” for necessitating the federal crackdown. In a statement, McLaughlin said the operation is focused on removing what she termed the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders.

“On the first day of operations, we arrested illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child,” she said. “Under President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, we will no longer allow criminal illegal aliens to terrorize American citizens.”

DHS did not specify how long Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will remain in Maine, nor whether Customs and Border Protection agents currently deployed in Minneapolis will be reassigned to the state.

Governor Mills, who has clashed with former President Donald Trump in the past year, is currently running for the U.S. Senate.

Earlier this week, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine, Andrew Benson, released a statement acknowledging the public’s right to protest while warning against violence. His remarks appeared to signal the impending federal operation.

“In the coming days, if Maine citizens seek to exercise their rights to assemble and protest, it is vital that these protests remain peaceful,” Benson said. He added that assaults on federal officers, destruction of government property, or obstruction of law enforcement activities are federal crimes and would be prosecuted fully.

As of now, Governor Mills has not commented directly on the ICE operation. However, in a video posted on social media on January 14, she said her administration had sought information from the federal government about its enforcement plans but received no clear details. Mills also noted that the state was taking steps to prepare for the anticipated immigration enforcement actions.