Augusta, Maine – In case you missed it, Susan Collins is still standing with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and pushing forward funding for ICE.
As WMTW reports, the Maine Democratic Party called out Collins for choosing to “side with Donald Trump and ICE instead of Mainers” after she voted yesterday to advance the Department of Homeland Security funding bill – legislation that would keep ICE fully funded without adding any new reforms or accountability.
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WMTW: Sen. Susan Collins still supports DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and funding for ICE
By Cate McCusker
January 30, 2026
- Democrats and some Republicans in Congress have been calling for Noem to resign due to ICE activity in Minnesota and the recent fatal shootings of two American citizens. When asked if she still supports Noem, Collins referred to the responsiveness she received from the Secretary.
- "So no, I am not calling for her resignation."
- The end of enhanced ICE operations in Maine also comes as Senate Democrats have urged Republicans to strip the Homeland Security funding from the federal funding bill.
- On Thursday, Collins voted to advance DHS funding but Senate Democrats voted unanimously to block the package of six funding bills.
The Maine Democratic party criticized Sen. Collins for initially voting to advance DHS funding.
- “Susan Collins chose to side with Donald Trump and ICE instead of Mainers," said Kristi Johnston, a spokesperson for the Maine Democratic Party. "Her DHS bill would have kept ICE fully funded without addressing the harm and inhumane tactics seen firsthand. The Senate rejected her bill because Mainers deserve to feel safe in their communities – not targeted by unchecked enforcement that puts people’s lives at risk.”
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