Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) said ICE has the "right and responsibility" to carry out targeted deportations of noncitizens who commit crimes, while stressing that enforcement must respect lawful residents and due process. He contrasted his measured stance with more confrontational responses from some Minnesota Democrats, where protests have demanded ICE leave. Golden also urged protesters not to obstruct law enforcement and warned officials against spreading unverified reports. The congressman, first elected in 2019, has said he will not seek reelection, citing family priorities.
House Democrat Jared Golden Backs ICE Deportations, Urges Due Process and Restraint
Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) publicly endorsed targeted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation operations in his state, saying the federal agency has the "right and responsibility" to remove noncitizens who have committed crimes while also urging strict adherence to legal protections and due process.
Golden’s position sharply contrasts with recent statements from some Democratic leaders in Minnesota, where protests have erupted and officials have angrily told ICE to "get the f*ck out" as enforcement actions drew public backlash.
Balance Between Enforcement And Rights
On social media, Golden wrote that "federal law enforcement agencies have the right and responsibility to enforce federal laws, including immigration laws, and a targeted law enforcement operation focused on individuals who have engaged in criminal activity serves the public interest."
"Immigrants with legal status should not be targeted, court authorities should be obeyed and due process must be followed," Golden added, urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritize public safety while ensuring operations comply with federal law.
He emphasized the importance of public trust for long-term stability and social cohesion, and reminded DHS that enforcement must not sweep up lawful U.S. citizens.
Message To Protesters And Public Officials
Golden acknowledged that free speech and lawful protest are protected rights but warned against obstructing law enforcement. He also urged public officials and citizens to avoid amplifying tensions or spreading unverified reports, calling such actions "a recipe for confrontation and escalation that helps no one."
Political Context
Golden was first elected to Congress in 2019. In November he announced he will not seek reelection, explaining in an op-ed for the Bangor Daily News that he has "never loved politics" and that he now "dreads the prospect of winning," preferring to spend more time as a husband, father and son than to continue in what he calls an increasingly unproductive Congress.
Bottom line: Golden supports limited, targeted enforcement against noncitizens who commit crimes but frames that support alongside clear warnings that enforcement must respect lawful residents and due process, and that protesters and officials should avoid actions that could escalate confrontations.
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