Mills campaign responds to report of travel to California amid ICE crackdown
The Governor Janet Mills Campaign for Senate is responding to an Axios report that she traveled to California amid the ICE crackdown in Maine.
Gov. Mills, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate who has become a vocal opponent of ICE's presence in Maine, was in California fundraising when ICE agents launched "Operation Catch of the Day" last Tuesday, according to Axios.
- Also read: 'Secret police': Gov. Mills questions ICE actions in Maine, GOP warns of criminal threats
The Bangor Daily published a grainy image appearing to show Mills boarding a flight from Boston Logan International Airport to San Francisco.
A spokesperson says Mills traveled to California for an already scheduled event.
The Axios report claims Mills was in California for fundraising events, including a dinner last Wednesday that suggested donors give from $1,000 to $7,000.
According to Axios, it appears Mills cut her trip short before a planned fundraiser last Thursday at noon. On Thursday morning, she held a press conference in Portland.
A spokesperson for Mills' campaign said:
“Governor Mills was traveling for a previously scheduled event. The governor is in Maine, meeting with local officials and she remains in constant contact with law enforcement, local authorities, and organizations across Maine to monitor ICE activity and ensure the safety and civil rights of people across Maine are protected.”
During the press conference on Thursday, Gov. Mills voiced concerns about the impact of recent ICE enforcement actions on children, families and communities in Maine. She questioned the operation at one point equating ICE agents to “secret police.”
