A federal immigration agent shot and killed a 26-year-old Colombian man in Biddeford, Maine, on Monday morning. The incident occurred during a vehicle stop after agents conducted surveillance on an address linked to an illegal immigrant with a removal order.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement said agents attempted the stop around 7 a.m. local time when the driver tried to flee. An officer fired, citing concerns for public safety, and the man died from his injuries.
Initial accounts indicated the man drove toward the officer, though ICE did not allege any attempt to strike agents with the vehicle. Local officials identified the man as Colombian but have not released his name.
Maine Sen. Angus King stated that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed the deceased was not the intended target. King called for a full investigation.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Sen. Susan Collins’ office in Maine, chanting against her support for ICE. The Biddeford police, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General are investigating.
