A new report says federal immigration enforcement could lead to the loss of up to 7,000 workers in the state and $3.3 billion in annual economic output, according to the Maine Office of New Americans.

The state-commissioned report, released Thursday, analyzes the contributions of over 30,000 foreign-born workers in Maine and explores the potential impacts of federal immigration enforcement on the state’s workforce and economy. 

Prepared by Maine-based Wallace Economic Advisers, the report shows the loss would affect businesses across the economy — including food production, housing, hospitality, construction and healthcare — as well as the people who rely on them.

“This report is the first of its kind to examine what Maine’s economy could look like if immigrants continue to disappear from our workforce,” Gov. Janet Mills said via email. “President Trump’s cruel and dangerous immigration agenda is forcing us to contemplate this reality, from the immediate moral and humanitarian harm to the undeniable consequences for Maine’s workforce.”

The report combines U.S. Census data with economic modeling to conclude that Maine’s immigrant workforce is relatively small but increasingly important to the state’s economy.

An estimated 33,079 foreign-born workers in the industries examined generated approximately $2.25 billion in personal income and $177 million in state income tax revenue from 2020-24, according to the report. In broader economic activity, immigrant employment helps sustain nearly 74,000 jobs statewide and nearly $15 billion in total economic output, the report says.

“We commissioned this report to establish a common set of facts about the vital contributions of immigrants to our economy,” said Julia Trujillo Luengo, director of the new Americans office. “This analysis supports what many of us already know — immigrants are key to some of our most iconic industries, from blueberry processing to lobstering and tourism.”

The report does not attempt to predict future, current or previous enforcement activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, such as the “Catch of the Day” operation in January and February 2026. 

Several Maine employers provided firsthand testimonials to supplement the report, echoing concerns raised by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“Many Maine employers are eager to grow but are constrained by the availability of workers to meet demand for Maine products and services,” said Patrick Woodcock, state chamber CEO. “It is imperative that Maine continues to welcome and successfully integrate all authorized workers into our workforce.”