Collins Watch
@collinswatch.bsky.social
Keeping an eye on Maine's senior senator and Maine politics since 2006. Send tips/thoughts to collinswatch@protonmail.com. susancollinswatch.substack.com
District Attorney for the county that includes Portland, Maine. tinyurl.com/ydud3t4a#MEp...
January 17, 2026 at 3:59 AM
District Attorney for the county that includes Portland, Maine. tinyurl.com/ydud3t4a#MEp...
Susan Collins with a rare Friday night Twitter post announcing that Maine is in crisis...But what she has in mind is maybe not what you'd expect. #MEpolitics
January 17, 2026 at 2:43 AM
Susan Collins with a rare Friday night Twitter post announcing that Maine is in crisis...But what she has in mind is maybe not what you'd expect. #MEpolitics
Susan Collins hometown fanzine with an editorial calling for ICE to be investigated.
Wait till they learn which of Maine's federal reps is the only one who chairs a committee -- and has subpoena power.
Of course the name "Collins" isn't found in the editorial.
Pathetic propagandists. #MEpolitics
Wait till they learn which of Maine's federal reps is the only one who chairs a committee -- and has subpoena power.
Of course the name "Collins" isn't found in the editorial.
Pathetic propagandists. #MEpolitics
January 16, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Susan Collins hometown fanzine with an editorial calling for ICE to be investigated.
Wait till they learn which of Maine's federal reps is the only one who chairs a committee -- and has subpoena power.
Of course the name "Collins" isn't found in the editorial.
Pathetic propagandists. #MEpolitics
Wait till they learn which of Maine's federal reps is the only one who chairs a committee -- and has subpoena power.
Of course the name "Collins" isn't found in the editorial.
Pathetic propagandists. #MEpolitics
I dunno, seems like a good day for this one. #MEpolitics
January 16, 2026 at 7:53 PM
I dunno, seems like a good day for this one. #MEpolitics
The nepo babies getting almost all of their money from outside Maine. Makes sense. #MEpolitics
January 16, 2026 at 3:07 PM
The nepo babies getting almost all of their money from outside Maine. Makes sense. #MEpolitics
Interesting move by Mills -- seems like a response to the popularity of Platner's town halls.
Odd, though, that there's nothing on her website on how to attend these. No schedule or sign up button etc.
We've e-mailed the campaign for clarification. If we hear back we'll let you know. #MEpolitics
Odd, though, that there's nothing on her website on how to attend these. No schedule or sign up button etc.
We've e-mailed the campaign for clarification. If we hear back we'll let you know. #MEpolitics
Janet Mills launches 'candid conversations' in campaign for US Senate
Mills attacks Susan Collins, Donald Trump, and ICE.
www.newscentermaine.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Interesting move by Mills -- seems like a response to the popularity of Platner's town halls.
Odd, though, that there's nothing on her website on how to attend these. No schedule or sign up button etc.
We've e-mailed the campaign for clarification. If we hear back we'll let you know. #MEpolitics
Odd, though, that there's nothing on her website on how to attend these. No schedule or sign up button etc.
We've e-mailed the campaign for clarification. If we hear back we'll let you know. #MEpolitics
EMPTY WORDS FROM SUSAN COLLINS WITH NO SIGN SHE'LL DO ANYTHING ABOUT TO BACK THEM UP IS NOT A HEADLINE! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? #MEpolitics
January 16, 2026 at 1:49 PM
EMPTY WORDS FROM SUSAN COLLINS WITH NO SIGN SHE'LL DO ANYTHING ABOUT TO BACK THEM UP IS NOT A HEADLINE! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? #MEpolitics
Literally the third sentence of the article:
"Lawmakers have to pass several more spending measures to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month." #MEpolitics
"Lawmakers have to pass several more spending measures to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month." #MEpolitics
January 16, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Literally the third sentence of the article:
"Lawmakers have to pass several more spending measures to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month." #MEpolitics
"Lawmakers have to pass several more spending measures to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month." #MEpolitics
Susan Collins gets her wish. Remember, she was outspoken in opposing the 3-year extension which passed the House with 17 Republican votes.
Tens of thousands of Mainers will get absolutely slammed -- more than outweighs the benefit of whatever earmarks Collins is able to push through. #MEpolitics
Tens of thousands of Mainers will get absolutely slammed -- more than outweighs the benefit of whatever earmarks Collins is able to push through. #MEpolitics
NEW: Senate ACA funding talks collapse
Even the optimists are now pessimistic.
Senate is gone for a week.
Open enrollment ends today.
Blame game is intensifying.
Most Republicans want this money gone; looks like they’ll get it.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Even the optimists are now pessimistic.
Senate is gone for a week.
Open enrollment ends today.
Blame game is intensifying.
Most Republicans want this money gone; looks like they’ll get it.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Senate ACA funding talks fizzle as higher premiums for millions take effect for 2026
Negotiations to revive Obamacare funds have stalled, with optimism fading as open enrollment ends. Most Republicans want the funds to stay expired.
www.nbcnews.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:04 AM
Susan Collins gets her wish. Remember, she was outspoken in opposing the 3-year extension which passed the House with 17 Republican votes.
Tens of thousands of Mainers will get absolutely slammed -- more than outweighs the benefit of whatever earmarks Collins is able to push through. #MEpolitics
Tens of thousands of Mainers will get absolutely slammed -- more than outweighs the benefit of whatever earmarks Collins is able to push through. #MEpolitics
The whole federal delegation should be there. It's the least they can do. #MEpolitics
I just called Senator Collins Bangor office. I asked her staff to send her the message when ICE comes to Maine next week, she should come witness what happens. Id encourage other's to push this line. She's the senator from Maine, she should witness what ICE is going do here #mepolitics
January 16, 2026 at 1:34 AM
The whole federal delegation should be there. It's the least they can do. #MEpolitics
A lot going on but at some point (preferably sooner than later) Janet Mills should tell Dem primary voters if she thinks Schumer should lead Senate Dems or not.
It's a consequential question -- growing more significant by the hour -- and if she wins it will be the first vote she casts. #MEpolitics
It's a consequential question -- growing more significant by the hour -- and if she wins it will be the first vote she casts. #MEpolitics
Just got this forwarded. Here are the talking points Schumer's team just emailed out to their allies TODAY - this afternoon.
The words "Minnesota" or "ICE" don't appear anywhere here.
The words "Minnesota" or "ICE" don't appear anywhere here.
January 16, 2026 at 1:32 AM
A lot going on but at some point (preferably sooner than later) Janet Mills should tell Dem primary voters if she thinks Schumer should lead Senate Dems or not.
It's a consequential question -- growing more significant by the hour -- and if she wins it will be the first vote she casts. #MEpolitics
It's a consequential question -- growing more significant by the hour -- and if she wins it will be the first vote she casts. #MEpolitics
This is from an hour ago. Jared Golden has apparently settled on pretending that ICE coming to terrorize his hometown (and the constituents he purports to serve) is no biggie. Amazing stuff. #MEpolitics
January 15, 2026 at 10:56 PM
This is from an hour ago. Jared Golden has apparently settled on pretending that ICE coming to terrorize his hometown (and the constituents he purports to serve) is no biggie. Amazing stuff. #MEpolitics
Trump's gearing up to terrorize her constituents so Susan Collins resorts to playing stupid since that's what's in her own personal (electoral) interests.
Maine deserves better. #MEpolitics
Maine deserves better. #MEpolitics
January 15, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Trump's gearing up to terrorize her constituents so Susan Collins resorts to playing stupid since that's what's in her own personal (electoral) interests.
Maine deserves better. #MEpolitics
Maine deserves better. #MEpolitics
A group that pushed for the Maine law (not yet on the books) to limit cooperation between law enforcement and ICE appears to be organizing around the rumored upcoming ICE action in the state. Holding a call tonight. #MEpolitics
No ICE for ME is holding an organizing call this evening, Jan. 15 at 5:30 pm, to discuss how to support immigrant communities as well as strategies for getting ICE out of Maine. Click the link below to RSVP and receive the Zoom link!
ICE Out of Maine: Organizing Call
ICE has no place in Maine. You're invited to join No ICE for ME for an organizing call to discuss and share what support is needed for immigrant communities, current conditions, and strategies and tac...
actionnetwork.org
January 15, 2026 at 5:12 PM
A group that pushed for the Maine law (not yet on the books) to limit cooperation between law enforcement and ICE appears to be organizing around the rumored upcoming ICE action in the state. Holding a call tonight. #MEpolitics
Angus King's essentially worthless statement about rumored upcoming ICE activity in Maine in case anyone wants to read it.
He invokes Abraham Lincoln and tells folks to alert electeds if they witness ICE lawlessness. Thanks guy. #MEpolitics
He invokes Abraham Lincoln and tells folks to alert electeds if they witness ICE lawlessness. Thanks guy. #MEpolitics
King Releases Statement Following Rumors of Imminent Federal Law Enforcement Activity in Maine |
<p><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. –</strong> Today, U.S. Senator King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to growing concerns of imminent federal law enforcement activity in Maine:</p>
<p st...
www.king.senate.gov
January 15, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Angus King's essentially worthless statement about rumored upcoming ICE activity in Maine in case anyone wants to read it.
He invokes Abraham Lincoln and tells folks to alert electeds if they witness ICE lawlessness. Thanks guy. #MEpolitics
He invokes Abraham Lincoln and tells folks to alert electeds if they witness ICE lawlessness. Thanks guy. #MEpolitics
Susan Collins has nothing to say about ICE coming to Maine to terrorize her own constituents.
Never forget. #MEpolitics
Never forget. #MEpolitics
"Collins, a Republican, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday evening."
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/14/p...
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/14/p...
Janet Mills to ICE: Aggressive tactics are ‘not welcome’ in Maine
In a 3-minute video, the Democratic governor said her administration has been unable to confirm what operations are being planned for in Maine.
www.bangordailynews.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Susan Collins has nothing to say about ICE coming to Maine to terrorize her own constituents.
Never forget. #MEpolitics
Never forget. #MEpolitics
Abject failure by major Maine legacy outlets -- referring blandly to what Trump/ICE have in store as "immigration enforcement."
Closing your eyes, plugging your ears and bowing down to authority is not "objectivity." It's pathetic and it's a choice. #MEpolitics
Closing your eyes, plugging your ears and bowing down to authority is not "objectivity." It's pathetic and it's a choice. #MEpolitics
January 15, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Abject failure by major Maine legacy outlets -- referring blandly to what Trump/ICE have in store as "immigration enforcement."
Closing your eyes, plugging your ears and bowing down to authority is not "objectivity." It's pathetic and it's a choice. #MEpolitics
Closing your eyes, plugging your ears and bowing down to authority is not "objectivity." It's pathetic and it's a choice. #MEpolitics
Still nothing on this from Jared Golden -- who has praised ICE in the past -- and whose hometown is reportedly scheduled to be the next victim of the agency's terror campaign. Amazing. #MEpolitics
ICE is not acting like a law-enforcement agency. It’s Donald Trump’s personal band of masked thugs. They need to stay out of Maine. They’re not here to serve or protect our communities — they’re here to harm them, and we won’t stand for it. #MEPolitics
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/14/m...
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/14/m...
Portland and Lewiston brace for heavy immigration enforcement in the next week
Carl Sheline urged residents and businesses to know their rights and have a plan if they’re contacted by agents.
www.bangordailynews.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Still nothing on this from Jared Golden -- who has praised ICE in the past -- and whose hometown is reportedly scheduled to be the next victim of the agency's terror campaign. Amazing. #MEpolitics
Former Maine newspaper editor Andy O'Brien. #MEpolitics
A source says local police were requested to “protect” ICE agents during raids, which will involve over 200 federal agents. Currently, the source says, there are 50 ICE agents in place. Anyone arrested will likely be processed at the ICE facility in Scarborough.
open.substack.com/pub/andyobri...
open.substack.com/pub/andyobri...
ICE to Carry Out Large Scale Operations in Maine
Today, the mayors of Portland and Lewiston confirmed rumors that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will likely step up operations in Maine in the coming days.
open.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Former Maine newspaper editor Andy O'Brien. #MEpolitics
Seems like a reasonable question. #MEpolitics
hey @golden.house.gov are you going to join rep. pingree in standing up for mainers or will you thank ice for their service again while they abuse civilians here too?
We’re hearing reports that DHS could launch increased immigration operations in Maine in the coming days.
I know people are scared. Please know I stand firmly with our immigrant communities.
We will NOT stand by as ICE, CBP, or any other agency terrorizes our communities and abducts our neighbors.
I know people are scared. Please know I stand firmly with our immigrant communities.
We will NOT stand by as ICE, CBP, or any other agency terrorizes our communities and abducts our neighbors.
January 15, 2026 at 1:04 AM
Seems like a reasonable question. #MEpolitics
Yet again Susan Collins casts a vote against Trump in an election year that doesn't change the outcome.
Remember: She's broken a tie FOR Trump dozens of times but only broken a tie AGAINST him once by accident (back in 2017 when McCain shocked everyone). #MEpolitics
Remember: She's broken a tie FOR Trump dozens of times but only broken a tie AGAINST him once by accident (back in 2017 when McCain shocked everyone). #MEpolitics
The Senate sustained the Risch point of order with respect to SJ Res 98, war powers re: Venezuela, with Vice President Vance breaking the tie, 51-50. GOP voting against: Collins, Murkowski and Paul.
January 14, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Yet again Susan Collins casts a vote against Trump in an election year that doesn't change the outcome.
Remember: She's broken a tie FOR Trump dozens of times but only broken a tie AGAINST him once by accident (back in 2017 when McCain shocked everyone). #MEpolitics
Remember: She's broken a tie FOR Trump dozens of times but only broken a tie AGAINST him once by accident (back in 2017 when McCain shocked everyone). #MEpolitics
Also the site of a traumatic mass shooting in very recent memory. Now looking at the prospect that its streets are about to fill up with packs of masked, armed men who -- if Minneapolis is any guide -- often tend toward lawlessness. #MEpolitics
A reminder that Lewiston, Maine was recently on a list of the ten safest cities in the U.S.
January 14, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Also the site of a traumatic mass shooting in very recent memory. Now looking at the prospect that its streets are about to fill up with packs of masked, armed men who -- if Minneapolis is any guide -- often tend toward lawlessness. #MEpolitics
Portland Mayor Mark Dion: "Portland rejects the need for the deployment of ICE...As a reminder, Portland Police does not cooperate with ICE." #MEpolitics
BREAKING — Mark Dion, Mayor of Portland, Maine just released this media statement re: ICE coming to the Portland and Lewiston. He says "While we respect the law, we challenge the need for a paramilitary approach to the enforcement of federal statutes."
Full statement shared with me:
Full statement shared with me:
January 14, 2026 at 10:36 PM
Portland Mayor Mark Dion: "Portland rejects the need for the deployment of ICE...As a reminder, Portland Police does not cooperate with ICE." #MEpolitics
Susan Collins loses another senior staffer. Hmm. (To a lobbying shop of course.) #MEpolitics
January 14, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Susan Collins loses another senior staffer. Hmm. (To a lobbying shop of course.) #MEpolitics
Mayor of Lewiston says ICE is coming. Be safe out there, people.
Would be remiss not to note that Dem leaders blocking the bill to ban masked law enforcement looks even worse now as does Gov. Mills not signing the law limiting local cooperation with ICE -- it'd be on the books already. #MEpolitics
Would be remiss not to note that Dem leaders blocking the bill to ban masked law enforcement looks even worse now as does Gov. Mills not signing the law limiting local cooperation with ICE -- it'd be on the books already. #MEpolitics
January 14, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Mayor of Lewiston says ICE is coming. Be safe out there, people.
Would be remiss not to note that Dem leaders blocking the bill to ban masked law enforcement looks even worse now as does Gov. Mills not signing the law limiting local cooperation with ICE -- it'd be on the books already. #MEpolitics
Would be remiss not to note that Dem leaders blocking the bill to ban masked law enforcement looks even worse now as does Gov. Mills not signing the law limiting local cooperation with ICE -- it'd be on the books already. #MEpolitics