A Portland resident said a confrontation earlier this month with ICE agents violated his constitutional rights and is now seeking millions in damages.

Some small-business owners in Portland, Maine, are debating how best to support staff and customers amid a federal immigration crackdown.

ICE officers arrested more than 200 people during less than one week of immigration enforcement operations throughout Maine, the DHS said in an update Thursday. According to the department, 206 arrests were made between January 20 and January 24.

Shops, restaurants and others are closing their doors or making donations to organizations that support people affected by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in Maine.

Portland Mayor Mark Dion says federal agents are conducting targeted operations, not neighborhood patrols, as ICE reports more than 50 arrests in Maine in the last two days.

They say they can't fully celebrate what makes Portland special during such times and will revisit the event next year.

Residents have stepped in to bring their children to school, run errands, deliver meals, and are even patrolling neighborhoods in search of immigration agents.

Jill Keen takes Michael Thiboutot’s order at Becky’s Diner in Portland on Friday, January 30, 2026. Becky’s chose to remain open on Friday and donate and 100% of profits split between Maine Needs and the Maine Solidarity Fund. Thiboutot said he was supportive of Becky’s decision to donate. (Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer)