12:53 am - February 5, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security has sparked controversy with its naming conventions for immigration enforcement operations across the United States. Operation Dirtbag in Florida, Operation Catch of the Day in Maine, and Operation Catahoula Crunch in Louisiana have drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers who argue the names dehumanize immigrants, while Republican supporters contend they demonstrate the administration’s commitment to border security and immigration enforcement.
According to California Congressman Jimmy Gomez, the immigration operation names send a message that immigrants are “sub-human.” He told The Associated Press that officials “don’t even use that kind of language when they conduct operations across the globe dealing with some of the worst terrorists imaginable.”
Political Divide Over Immigration Operation Names
Republican lawmakers have defended the naming strategy as evidence of serious intent. Texas Congressman Brandon Gill stated that the names show President Donald Trump is not joking about controlling illegal immigration. “We’re serious about keeping the border secure. We’re serious about deporting illegal aliens,” Gill said.
The polarizing reactions to these names largely fall along political lines and correlate with support for operations that predominantly target Black and brown communities. Meanwhile, the administration has extended similar branding to detention facilities, including “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana, “Cornhusker Clink” in Nebraska, and “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida.
Historical Context for Operation Naming
Historically, U.S. military operations employed benign names rather than provocative titles. Michael O’Hanlon, director of research in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution, explained that wartime operation names were designed to avoid suspicion if overheard by spies, citing World War II examples like Operation Market Garden and Operation Torch.
However, in the modern era, operation names have become opportunities for administrations to project their messaging. O’Hanlon noted that President George W. Bush favored freedom-themed names, while the recent immigration operation names communicate “their motivation, their purpose, and therefore, their justification.”
Maine Operation Draws Particular Criticism
Operation Catch of the Day, which concluded in Maine last month, immediately sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree called the branding “racist and degrading” to Maine’s immigrant communities, describing it as “a sick joke” in a social media post.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who is running for governor, warned that the administration’s actions have chilled business and civic life. “When ICE agents are patrolling the streets and arresting and imprisoning people, wrongly, then people are afraid to go out,” Bellows told the AP.
Additionally, state Democratic Senator Joe Baldacci emphasized the human cost. “This isn’t a special on a restaurant menu. This is people’s lives,” he said.
Pop Culture References Draw Additional Scrutiny
The administration has also faced criticism for drawing inspiration from pop culture. In November, an immigration sweep in Charlotte, North Carolina was named after the children’s book “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White. Martha White, the author’s granddaughter, said he would have hated the reference because he “believed in the rule of law and due process.”
Miami immigration attorney Hector Diaz, who has represented over two dozen Hispanic clients detained in Florida, suggested the administration is “trying to market their detention centers in a trolling type of way.” The names have become the basis for internet memes and online merchandise.
Supporters Dismiss Criticism as Distraction
Trump administration supporters have characterized criticism of the rhetoric as avoiding substantive immigration debate. Jason Savage, executive director of the Maine Republican Party, said in an email that “to whine about the name of the operation is an absurd distraction.”
During Maine Governor Janet Mills’ State of the State address, she criticized ICE agents for attempting to “intimidate and silence” communities. In contrast, Republican Representative Billy Bob Faulkingham called for greater support for longtime Maine residents over newer arrivals.
The naming controversy continues despite signals from some Trump officials that federal agent conduct could be restrained following fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, as well as allegations of other misconduct by federal immigration officers.
Congressional Democrats have promised investigations into the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers should they win control of either chamber this year. Debu Gandhi, senior director of immigration policy at the Center for American Progress, said the operation names add to damage caused by “unconstitutional racial profiling and reckless, unaccountable enforcement tactics.”
