New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt expressed significant discomfort Wednesday, January 28, 2026, regarding the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the New Brunswick-Maine border. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Holt criticized the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, stating it is affecting cross-border communities.

Premier Holt Voices Discomfort

Holt highlighted the impact on residents with family and business connections across the border. These ties have already faced strain due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and previous criticisms of Canada.

She emphasized the profound unease felt within the province.

“We see what’s happening in the country… We see it in New Brunswick right now with ICE agents on the border of New Brunswick and Maine, in Calais. And it makes us all very, very uncomfortable,” Holt told reporters.

Holt also expressed a desire for a return to traditional U.S.-Canada relations.

“There’s nothing that we recognize in our neighbours right now, with the leadership that they have. We’re eager to support them in a return to the long-standing and strong partnership that Canada and the U.S. have had for generations,” she stated.

U.S. Expands Deportation Operations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced last week an expansion of its mass deportation operations into Maine. This initiative, dubbed “Operation Catch of the Day,” targets cities such as Portland and Lewiston.

These cities are home to significant African immigrant communities.

Border Reports Emerge

Residents on both sides of the New Brunswick-Maine border have begun reporting ICE agent presence in Calais, Maine. Calais serves as an economic hub, sharing multiple border crossings with St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

Some social media posts have alleged ICE agents are “harassing” individuals crossing from Canada into Calais. Global News has not independently verified these specific accounts.

Why This Matters

The increased presence of U.S. immigration enforcement at the border introduces new complexities for Canadian border communities. It exacerbates existing tensions stemming from U.S. trade policies and political rhetoric. The situation could impact local economies reliant on cross-border traffic and deepen anxieties among residents with binational ties. This development also highlights the broader implications of U.S. domestic policies on international relations, particularly with close allies like Canada.