Democrat Rep Defies Party: Backs TRUMP!

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A Democrat congressman is breaking ranks with his party to defend ICE operations targeting criminal illegal immigrants in Maine, exposing the deepening fracture within the left over immigration enforcement under President Trump.

Story Snapshot

Rep. Jared Golden backs ICE’s “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine, including his hometown of Lewiston, as serving the public interest when targeting criminals
Golden becomes one of only seven House Democrats to vote for $64 billion DHS funding bill including $10 billion for ICE operations
Maine’s Democrat delegation splits sharply, with Rep. Pingree and Sen. King accusing ICE of “terrorizing” communities while Golden defends law enforcement
ICE operations have resulted in approximately 50 arrests so far, with the agency targeting 1,400 immigrants total in the ongoing crackdown

Democrat Breaks From Party Line on Immigration Enforcement

Representative Jared Golden issued a statement Wednesday supporting ICE operations in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, declaring that federal immigration enforcement “serves the public interest” when focused on individuals engaged in criminal activity. Golden emphasized his support hinges on ICE prioritizing public safety, complying with due process, avoiding targeting legal immigrants, and respecting court authorities. This position sets him apart from most Democrats who have condemned the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Golden represents Maine’s rural and conservative 2nd District, where voters expect their representatives to prioritize law and order over partisan resistance to common-sense enforcement.

ICE Operation Targets Criminal Aliens in Maine Communities

Operation Catch of the Day commenced under President Trump’s revitalized immigration enforcement, with ICE reporting approximately 50 arrests in Maine by Tuesday, targeting a total of 1,400 immigrants. The operations focused on areas including Lewiston and Greater Portland, communities that have experienced immigration-related challenges. Golden’s hometown of Lewiston has a history as a Somali refugee resettlement location, creating ongoing integration tensions that locals remember alongside tragedies like the 2023 mass shooting. The enforcement actions represent exactly what Trump voters demanded: prioritizing the removal of criminal aliens who threaten American communities rather than allowing sanctuary policies to shield lawbreakers from consequences.

Maine Delegation Fractures Over Law Enforcement Support

Golden’s support for ICE starkly contrasts with fellow Maine Democrats who rushed to condemn the operations. Representative Chellie Pingree accused ICE of “terrorizing” residents and demanded detention data from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Senator Angus King echoed the “terrorizing” rhetoric while pushing for ICE budget cuts until what he called constitutional compliance. Governor Janet Mills urged appropriations cuts to ICE funding. Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline criticized ICE for an alleged “lack of humanity,” prioritizing feelings over public safety. These Democrats demonstrate the party’s disturbing tendency to side with illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens, valuing virtue signaling above protecting communities from criminal aliens who shouldn’t be here in the first place.

Golden Votes for Accountability Measures in DHS Funding

Golden joined only six other House Democrats in voting for the $64 billion DHS appropriations bill that included $10 billion for ICE operations. He secured provisions requiring body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE agents, measures he described as “proven tactics” embraced by law enforcement to build accountability and trust. Republican Senator Susan Collins, serving as Appropriations Chair, supported these reform provisions while backing the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants. The bill passed the House Thursday and moved to the Senate for consideration ahead of a January 30 shutdown deadline. This represents sensible governance—supporting law enforcement while ensuring transparency—rather than the obstructionist approach Democrats typically employ against immigration enforcement.

Political Calculations in Conservative District Evident

Golden’s stance reflects the political reality of representing Maine’s 2nd District, where constituents reject the open-borders ideology dominating Democrat leadership. His voting record shows consistent breaks from party orthodoxy on immigration, having previously supported the Laken Riley Act alongside 41 other Democrats who recognized political suicide in defending criminal aliens. This contrasts with his current isolation as one of just seven Democrats backing DHS funding with robust ICE support. Golden warned public officials against obstructing law enforcement or spreading unverified reports that could escalate tensions. His position demonstrates that some Democrats understand their voters want secure borders and criminal deportations, not the sanctuary state madness that endangers Americans while protecting foreign lawbreakers.