Maine legislators demand ICE accountability after fatal Biddeford shooting
A memorial for Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero at the intersection of Hill and Pool streets in Biddeford on July 14. (Daryn Slover/Staff Photographer)
Maine legislative leaders and other legislators are demanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement reform its policies, be more transparent and take accountability after an ICE agent fatally shot Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in a Biddeford neighborhood early this month.
Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, Senate President Mattie Daughtry and 78 other legislators, two independents and the rest Democrats, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin Wednesday, calling on DHS to cooperate fully with the investigation by Maine’s Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Safety.
“The reckless behavior of ICE agents and the subsequent lethal consequences of their actions are not just endangering our neighbors and communities — they are eroding confidence in law enforcement at all levels,” the letter reads.
Guerrero — a 26-year-old Colombian man with a young daughter, work authorization and no known criminal history — was shot and killed by ICE agent David Brouillette at the intersection of Hill and Pool streets on the morning of July 13.
Guerrero’s death sparked an outcry across the state.
Protests in Biddeford, Portland, Lewiston and Scarborough drew thousands, and Biddeford leaders and community members spoke out against ICE’s presence in Maine communities.
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Wednesday’s letter from Maine legislators adds to a growing list of local lawmakers demanding action and justice from the Department of Homeland Security. Maine’s congressional delegation also sent a letter to the DHS early this month, asking for an expedited independent review of the shooting.
“The tragic killing of Mr. Guerrero is another disturbing fatality in a growing list of similar incidents involving ICE agents across the United States,” the Maine legislators wrote. “Let us be clear: these deaths at the hands of ICE agents are not simply unacceptable. They are unconscionable.”
In the letter, Maine legislators noted “ramped-up” ICE enforcement in recent weeks, noting that ICE activity is being conducted “with what appears to be little or no regard for public safety or human life.”
“Witnessing our neighbors being shot in the street has further decimated confidence in the credibility of DHS, especially as it becomes clear that none of the DHS officials involved in Mr. Guerrero’s death and other recent fatalities were wearing body cameras, or the cameras were not activated,” the letter reads.
The “blatant disregard” for congressional direction to acquire and distribute body-worn cameras as a way to increase public trust is “disgusting and, indeed, shameful,” legislators wrote.
Maine legislators joined Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins in calling for comprehensive reform of ICE and changes that prioritize public safety during enforcement operations.
“Mr. Guerrero should not have lost his life. No one should be killed at the hands of ICE agents, in Maine or anywhere in the United States,” the letter reads. “Maine people, and all who call this country home, deserve clarity and accountability from DHS and from you, Mr. Secretary.”
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Tagged: biddeford ice shooting, ICE, immigration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, maine crime, maine legislature, maine senate, public service, Speaker Ryan Fecteau
Sydney is a community reporter for Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel and previously reporter for the Courier and Post. Sydney grew up in Kennebunk and is a graduate. More by Sydney Richelieu
