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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“If you’ve come in legally and you’re not a criminal along with it, then you have nothing to worry about … I think it’s a good thing that they’re cleaning out the cities.”

— Donna Desjardins, who was on her way into Simone’s Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston on Wednesday when she was interviewed by a Bangor Daily News reporter about escalating immigration enforcement activity in the city.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

As the leaders of Lewiston and Portland were speaking out against increased immigration enforcement, some residents were applauding them.

“We know you live right here,” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents told a Maine woman who followed them. The confrontation was condemned by Westbrook’s mayor and came after parents blew whistles and honked horns at an agent who was parked at a school bus stop.

A judge has ordered ICE to say why it detained Maine immigrant at a routine check-in. An Angolan man whose lawyer said he was picked up during a routine immigration check-in is the first immigrant to challenge their detention since an enforcement surge began in Maine.

Slain Orrington infant had broken ribs and brain swelling, an autopsy found. The baby’s father, 24-year-old Shawn Samuels, is charged with murder in the death of the 12-week-old girl and is being held on $250,000 bail.

Locals worry as the 3.4-acre Winter Harbor Marine Center goes up for sale. The property, which features 300 feet of water frontage and a large granite wharf — is on the market for $4.95 million.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Splake or brook trout? This hybrid fish sparks debate among Maine ice anglers every winter, but the noticeably forked tail helps give away its identity. Fun fact: A splake is a hatchery-produced hybrid created by crossing a male brook trout with a female lake trout. Credit: Courtesy of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Protesters chant and march during a rally for Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer the day before on Jan. 8, 2026, in Minneapolis. Credit: John Locher / AP

“I am appalled by her hateful vitriol, but more so by the misinformation that she must be digesting to make her think that peaceful protesters are rioters and that they are being paid to be there.”

Letter: Abhorred by those who think ICE tactics are OK

LIFE IN MAINE

How to tell the difference between splake and brook trout. Jacob Scoville of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife breaks it down for us.

Winter temperature swings can cause serious damage to your house. You can take preventative steps to protect it when changeable weather is on the way.