Family of man shot by ICE agent in Biddeford wants transparency, accountability

ICE Agent Kills Colombian Immigrant in Biddeford; Family Calls for Investigation

On the morning of July 13, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered a residence on Hill Street in Biddeford, Maine, and shot Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 30‑year‑old Colombian immigrant. The fatal shooting occurred while Mr. Durán was reportedly at home with his wife and young daughter, according to witnesses who identified the agent as David Brouillette, a former Maine law‑enforcement officer who now works for ICE.

The incident has sparked a nationwide outcry and prompted investigations at several federal levels, but no definitive explanation of why the agent fired his weapon has yet been released. The family of Mr. Durán—his widow, Martha Karolina Rojas Alvarez, and his sister, Daniela Durán Guerrero—have repeatedly asked for a transparent inquiry into the event and for accountability from the parties involved.

A Family’s Loss

Mr. Durán arrived in the United States from Bucaramanga, Colombia, with his parents and siblings in pursuit of better opportunities. He settled in Maine, where he worked a mix of jobs: mornings at PetSmart and afternoons and evenings delivering food for DoorDash. Despite long hours, he maintained a tight-knit family routine. “He didn’t like to be alone,” his wife recalled. “He always wanted to be with us, to go out, to eat, to visit the lake… or simply stay at home and watch movies.” She said he set aside Monday afternoons to spend with their daughter and often paused his work to help his sister bring her children to school.

The couple met as teenagers, grew up in the same neighborhood, and eventually moved to the U.S. together. The family settled in Biddeford, where Mr. Durán’s daughter was born. He was the youngest of three siblings and was described by his sister as a devoted uncle who would spoil her children with video‑game gift cards and loved gathering the family together.

After his death, the family has sought public remembrance for him. A memorial was erected at the intersection of Hill and Pool streets on July 14, and they keep his picture near family photographs and a candle at home.

The Shooting

According to the family’s testimony, the agent entered Mr. Durán’s home on a Monday morning. The agent’s identity was later corroborated by multiple witnesses who identified him as David Brouillette, a former Manchester police officer now employed by ICE. Brouillette’s contact number is reportedly out of service, and he has not responded to requests for comment. DHS officials have declined to name the officers involved, but have acknowledged that an internal investigation is underway.

The Maine Attorney General’s office announced it was looking into the incident for “deadly use of force” and possible criminal activity. No updates have been released to the public so far. In parallel, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General said it would conduct a routine inquiry into the shooting, as is standard for incidents involving its agents.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly decided not to investigate the case for civil‑rights violations. The Department of Justice, citing an official, said the FBI would no longer pursue claims of assault against ICE agents. Attorneys Benjamin Gideon and Sean Murphy, who represent Mr. Durán’s family for the Gideon Asen law firm in Portland, have criticized this decision and called for an independent review.

Congressional Attention

The family’s legal representatives have taken their case to Washington. On September 22, attorney Sean Murphy addressed a congressional forum, noting the lack of investigation and urging the federal agencies to take responsibility. Earlier in the year, several Democratic members of Congress held two separate sessions to discuss the incident and the broader pattern of ICE shootings across the country.

“Through this community support we’ve come to understand it shouldn’t have happened this way, it should never have happened,” Mrs. Rojas said in a Spanish interview with a translator from Presente! Maine, a nonprofit serving the state’s immigrant community. “We would love to see above all a transparent investigation, that the people involved face consequences. He was a good person; he was just working for his family.”

The family’s sister echoed this sentiment: “Because that’s what he would have wanted, is for us to keep going and to keep fighting.” In public statements, the family has consistently called for the agent to be held accountable and for the circumstances that led to the shooting to be fully explained.

Community Response

The shooting has prompted protests in Biddeford and other Maine cities, as well as nationwide demonstrations against ICE practices. Local residents gathered at the memorial site to honor Mr. Durán. The community’s support has provided a source of comfort for the family during their mourning.

The family has also taken steps to preserve Mr. Durán’s legacy. They keep small pictures of him near images of saints and a candle in their home and have pledged to keep his story alive by sharing his life story publicly.

Current Status

The Maine Attorney General’s office and the DHS Inspector General have yet to release any findings. The FBI’s decision to forgo a civil‑rights investigation remains in place, and the DOJ has not yet responded to inquiries. Meanwhile, the family continues to seek clarity. Their attorneys remain in contact with federal agencies and are preparing to pursue legal avenues to force a thorough review.

The case highlights a growing concern over the use of deadly force by federal immigration agents and raises questions about oversight and accountability. As the investigations proceed, the family’s plea for transparency remains a central focus, underscoring the human cost behind policy decisions and enforcement actions.

For the family, and for many in Maine and across the nation, the hope is that an exhaustive and impartial investigation will bring the truth to light and ensure that no other life is lost under unclear circumstances.