In a bold move that underscores the growing scrutiny around immigration enforcement, Governor Janet Mills has unveiled her first television advertisement in her bid to challenge Senator Susan Collins. The ad, which began circulating statewide on Friday, starkly criticizes the operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marking a significant moment in what is expected to be a heated Senate race in Maine.

The advertisement, which was first shared with POLITICO, juxtaposes disturbing clips of ICE agents detaining individuals with scenes from Governor Mills' recent State of the State address. In her speech, Mills vehemently condemned the federal agency's actions. “Our federal government has deployed masked law enforcement onto the streets, including here in Maine, stoking fear in our communities and killing American citizens in Minnesota,” declared Mills in the advertisement. She labeled these actions as “ridiculous, outrageous and unconstitutional.”

This advertising push, backed by a six-figure budget, will be broadcast across various media platforms over the next two weeks. It comes at a time when immigration enforcement has catapulted to the forefront of national political discourse, with Democrats increasingly vocalizing their opposition in response to voter backlash against ICE's aggressive raids.

Recent events have intensified local and national attention on ICE's activities in Maine, particularly after the agency's Operation Catch of the Day led to the detention of several state residents who possessed legal work permits and had no criminal records. The operation was further spotlighted following the controversial fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, which has fueled additional outrage in Maine.

Amidst growing pressure, Senator Collins announced on Thursday that ICE would be ending its intensified activities in Maine. However, the repercussions of the agency's heightened presence continue to reverberate throughout the state.

Governor Mills' decision to focus her campaign's inaugural advertisement on ICE suggests she believes the issue will resonate deeply with voters. Meanwhile, Mills’ primary opponent, Graham Platner, has also criticized Collins over her stance on ICE, staging protests at her offices and running his television ads.

As the primary elections approach, both candidates are sharpening their focus on national issues that hit close to home, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched and fiercely contested race.