Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) has publicly endorsed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within his state, asserting federal law enforcement agencies possess the right and responsibility to enforce immigration laws targeting individuals engaged in criminal activity. In a statement, Golden emphasized that such targeted actions serve public interest while underscoring the necessity of law enforcement compliance with federal statutes and due process protections for legally admitted immigrants.

Golden further stressed that lawful protest and free speech remain protected rights but warned against obstructing federal operations or amplifying unverified reports—a practice he characterized as a “recipe for confrontation and escalation.” His district, spanning rural conservative regions alongside cities like Bangor and Lewiston, previously voted for former President Trump by nearly 10 points in the 2024 election.

The Rep.’s position contrasts sharply with House Appropriations Committee member Chellie Pingree (D-ME), who opposed a $64 billion Department of Homeland Security funding bill that included $10 billion for ICE. Pingree accused ICE of “terrorizing” Maine residents and called for Secretary Kristi Noem’s removal, while Golden became one of just seven Democrats to support the measure. Citing concerns over public safety, Golden noted that blocking DHS funding would have jeopardized critical emergency response services including Coast Guard operations, FEMA assistance, and Transportation Security Administration functions. His stance aligns with his district’s historical alignment on federal law enforcement priorities, though it has drawn criticism from progressive Democrats over his support for ICE tactics in the state.