Biddeford: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) fatally shot a man during an enforcement operation in Biddeford, Maine on Monday morning after the driver allegedly attempted to flee a vehicle stop, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.
According to Anadolu Agency, the incident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. ET (1100GMT) as ICE officers conducted targeted surveillance at the last known address of an undocumented immigrant who had a final order of removal. The department reported that the individual left the residence in a vehicle, prompting ICE officers to attempt a stop.
"ICE law enforcement attempted to conduct a vehicle stop. The vehicle attempted to flee the scene and, fearing for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon. The driver of the vehicle was struck, and emergency services were immediately contacted. He passed away from his injuries," the department added.
The DHS stated that the Biddeford Police Department and the FBI responded to the scene. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) was also notified, and the shooting will be investigated in accordance with procedures for all firearm discharges by federal officers.
Immigrant advocacy organizations identified the victim as a 26-year-old Colombian man and condemned the shooting. The Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition and Presente! Maine expressed their devastation and outrage, stating, "A 26-year-old man came to Maine to live and work, and now his family is mourning his death following an incident involving ICE. This is devastating, enraging, and unacceptable. His loved ones deserve answers, and the public deserves a full and transparent account of what happened."
The shooting has prompted bipartisan calls from Maine lawmakers for an independent and transparent investigation. Sen. Angus King noted that the incident "has raised more questions than answers" and has requested Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to ensure a comprehensive review. "I called on DHS Secretary Mullin to launch a full, fair and transparent investigation-and I'm going to hold him to his word there will be one," King stated.
Sen. Susan Collins also emphasized the need for "a full and impartial investigation" into the shooting. She confirmed that Biddeford police had secured the scene and that the FBI was investigating. Collins added that Mullin informed her the Boston office of the DHS Office of Inspector General had assumed responsibility for the investigation in cooperation with the FBI.
This incident comes less than a week after another deadly ICE encounter in Texas, where authorities fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an enforcement operation.