Lawmakers demand answers after 'bombshell' report of ICE officer shooting in Maine

Democratic lawmakers are demanding a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of a Colombian national by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13, 2026. The deceased, 25-year-old Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, was reportedly not the intended target of the ICE operation. The officer involved, David Brouillette, is alleged by close relatives, including his ex-wife, to have a history of serious mental health issues and violent behavior, raising concerns about ICE's vetting and training processes.

ICE claims Durán Guerrero attempted to flee in his vehicle, prompting the officer to fire "fearing for public safety." However, Senator Angus King of Maine stated that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed Durán Guerrero was not the target of the warrant. This incident marks the second fatal shooting by ICE in a week and has intensified calls for accountability, particularly as officers involved were not equipped with body cameras.

In response to these events, Democratic members of Congress, including Representative Bennie Thompson and Senator Richard Blumenthal, have voiced strong criticisms of ICE's hiring and training practices, with some calling for fundamental reform or even the abolition of the agency. Maine Governor Janet Mills has also urged Congress to act, emphasizing the need to prevent further tragedies.