Report estimates ICE operation cost Maine businesses millions of dollars

A new report is offering a first look at how January’s immigration enforcement surge may have affected Maine’s economy.

The Maine Center for Economic Policy said what the Trump administration called “Operation Catch of the Day” led to a noticeable slowdown in consumer activity, especially in immigrant communities. According to the report, the operation contributed to a roughly $3.4 million drop in retail sales over 10 days, with a broader economic hit estimated between $10 million and $20 million.

Click here to read the full story, first published March 20, 2026 in NewsCenter Maine.