Federal immigration authorities now have expanded powers to enter homes without judicial warrants, as revealed by an internal memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) obtained by The Associated Press. The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts, including in Maine, where enforcement activities are on the rise. This shift in tactics has raised concerns among immigrant advocates, legal organizations, and local authorities who have long advised individuals not to open their doors to immigration officers without a judge-signed warrant.
The ICE memo, dated May 12, 2025, and signed by acting director Todd Lyons, justifies the use of administrative warrants for arresting individuals with final orders of removal in their residences. This departure from established norms has been incorporated into training for new ICE officers, despite conflicting with existing training materials. The extent to which this directive has been implemented in immigration operations remains unclear.
In response to queries about the memo, Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that individuals targeted with administrative warrants have undergone due process and have final removal orders. McLaughlin cited legal precedents supporting the use of administrative warrants in immigration enforcement, but did not provide details on specific cases of ICE officers entering homes based solely on administrative warrants.
In a related development, Maine is now a focal point of the administration’s deportation campaign, with an operation dubbed “Catch of the Day” targeting the state’s immigrant population, particularly African refugees. The increased ICE presence in Maine has triggered anxiety in immigrant communities, with local officials expressing opposition to the tactics employed by immigration officers. Efforts, including neighborhood alerts and food support for immigrants, are being organized to resist ICE actions.
Furthermore, a court decision in Minnesota has temporarily lifted restrictions on aggressive tactics by immigration officers, allowing for the resumption of enforcement operations in the state. The legal battle over law enforcement methods during protests underscores the ongoing tension between federal agencies and local opposition to immigration enforcement measures.