PORTLAND, Maine — Maine residents, immigration advocates and community leaders expressed cautious optimism Thursday following an announcement from US Senator Susan Collins that the federal government had ended its recent immigration enforcement surge in the state.

Political maneuvering by the Democrats hoping to unseat Senator Susan Collins shifted into high gear with the news that ICE had ended its surge there.

Federal officials have claimed 200 arrests since last week and the impacts have rippled out to businesses and schools. How long Maine will see increased ICE presence remains unknown.

South Portland Mayor Elyse Tipton said some families feared leaving their homes and being arrested by federal immigration enforcement agents.

Local officials and advocates in Maine are reacting cautiously after hearing ICE may wind down its "enhanced" operations in Maine.

Dozens of Portland area businesses have signed on to close for the day as part of what's being called a service industry strike, which is happening nationwide.

The plane, however, crashed during takeoff, leaving the jet burning and inverted on the tarmac, killing everyone on board. Among them a corporate pilot who was recently hired at the Texas law firm linked to the plane, and an event planner who had worked with the firm on previous occasions.

Some small-business owners in Portland, Maine, are debating how best to support staff and customers amid a federal immigration crackdown.

An apprenticeship program that passes on skills like Cambodian dance is persevering despite funding threats and ICE agents.