A motorist drives down Ash Street in downtown Lewiston on Monday past a sign protesting the recent operation in Maine by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Daryn Slover/Staff Photographer)Lewiston leaders Thursday responded with a mix of relief and skepticism to reports that stepped up enforcement by federal immigration agents in Lewiston and Maine was easing. Related Lewiston mother arrested by ICE last week remains in federal custodyFederal officials would not confirm Thursday whether the enhanced operation has ceased. The enhanced enforcement operation “targeted egregious criminal alien offenders,” the release stated, though the agency stopped short of saying everyone arrested had criminal records. “ICE operations in Maine have failed to improve public safety and have caused lasting damage to our communities,” he said.