Democrat Graham Platner, a candidate aiming to unseat long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, has raised concerns about the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under President Donald Trump. In a recent social media video, Platner expressed his outrage over what he described as the “kidnapping” of American citizens and legal residents by armed agents of ICE, labeling their behavior as abusive and discriminatory.
During a town hall event, a participant prompted Platner to share his thoughts on ICE, to which he responded, “It’s disgusting.” He revealed his vision for potential accountability, stating, “When we have power again, I want to haul all of these people… in front of a Senate subcommittee, make them take their masks off.” His remarks garnered significant applause from the audience, indicating strong support for his stance on immigration enforcement.
Polling conducted by Zenith Research for More Perfect Union suggests that both Platner and outgoing Maine Governor Janet Mills, who is also likely to enter the Senate race, are well-positioned to challenge Collins, who has held her seat since 1997. The poll indicates that Platner currently leads Collins by 14 points, while Mills is ahead by 8 points.
While ICE enforcement actions have been a topic of discussion in Maine, the state has not faced the same level of targeted operations as cities like Chicago. In fact, a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit upheld a block on Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops in northern Illinois due to concerns over federal enforcement practices. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, reported over 1,000 arrests in Illinois alone since the initiation of Operation Midway Blitz last month, leading to criticisms and scrutiny of the agency’s methods.
In light of these developments and the ongoing debate over immigration policies, Platner’s campaign appears to resonate with voters who seek reform and accountability in immigration enforcement. His vocal opposition reflects a growing sentiment among many communities nationwide advocating for more humane and transparent immigration practices.