A new law in Maine is stirring up a storm as it curbs state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, placing Democratic Gov. Janet Mills in the hot seat while she campaigns for a Senate seat against Susan Collins.

This legislation, passed by a slim margin in Maine’s Democrat-led legislature last year, restricts state and local law enforcement from aiding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in many civil immigration matters, and though it hasn’t officially taken effect, Mills has already directed Maine State Police to follow its provisions.

The issue has sparked fierce debate, with critics arguing that Mills’ refusal to veto the measure highlights a troubling pattern of prioritizing progressive policies over practical governance, especially as she eyes a Senate run.

Progressive Policies Draw Sharp Criticism

As tensions rise with ICE operations intensifying in Maine, including over 50 arrests in a single day last week, a report from Fox News underscores the growing backlash against Mills’ stance. Her recent comments labeling ICE as “secret police” with “reckless actions” have only fueled the fire. Many see this rhetoric as a dangerous overreach that undermines federal authority.

Assistant House Republican Leader Katrina Smith pushed back hard, declaring, “Let me be very clear: ICE agents are federal law enforcement officers.” Her point cuts through the noise: disagree with policy if you must, but don’t vilify the people tasked with enforcing it.

This isn’t just about words; it’s about a deeper divide on how Maine should balance state autonomy with federal law, and Mills seems to be betting her political future on a hard-left turn.

Track Record Raises Eyebrows

Mills’ record as governor offers plenty of fodder for critics, from expanding taxpayer-funded health care under MaineCare to non-citizens, regardless of status, to clashing with federal directives. State data reveals hundreds of thousands spent on such care for unauthorized migrants, a policy that opponents say burdens working Mainers.

Then there’s the public advertising on city buses, touting MaineCare for “pregnant people and children under 21, with or without proof of citizenship.” For many, this feels less like outreach and more like a slap in the face to taxpayers footing the bill.

Her administration’s push for transgender policies, including protecting access to gender-affirming care for minors even against parental objections, further cements the view that Mills is more focused on ideological wins than practical results.

Immigration Stance Fuels Wider Debate

On immigration enforcement, Mills’ demand for a meeting with President Trump to pull ICE from Maine, following a fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis, signals a broader rejection of federal oversight. It’s a bold move, but one that risks alienating those who see ICE’s role as essential to public safety.

Her defenders might argue she’s standing up for state rights, yet the timing, amid a Senate campaign, makes it hard to ignore the political calculus. Is this principle, or just posturing?

Republicans, through voices like the National Republican Senatorial Committee, aren’t mincing words, with spokesperson Samantha Cantrell stating, “Mainers deserve a Senator who is focused on delivering real results, not Janet Mills who is more concerned with pushing her progressive agenda on Maine.”

What’s Next for Maine’s Political Landscape?

As Mills prepares for her State of the State address later this month, the spotlight won’t just be on her words but on how she navigates this growing divide. Her choices on issues like abortion access and transgender rights have already drawn national attention, often in opposition to federal policies.

For many Mainers, the question looms: does this new law on ICE cooperation, paired with her broader record, reflect a governor attuned to their needs, or one chasing a national progressive mantle? It’s a tightrope walk with high stakes.

With the Senate race heating up, Mills’ gamble could either solidify her base or hand critics the ammunition they need to frame her as out of touch. Maine’s future, and hers, may hinge on how this plays out.