Colombian man killed in ICE shooting in Biddeford, Maine
A 26-year-old Colombian man was shot and killed during an operation involving federal immigration agents in Biddeford, Maine, prompting FBI and state investigations.
Colombian man killed in ICE shooting in Biddeford, Maine
A 26-year-old man from Colombia died Monday after shots were fired during an operation involving agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Biddeford, Maine, according to La Presse.
The incident took place in the small coastal city of approximately 22,000 residents. Human rights organizations identified the deceased as a Colombian national aged 26. Two advocacy groups, the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition and Presente Maine, jointly named the victim and stated he held authorization to work in the United States.
Maine Governor Janet Mills said state police were working alongside federal authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The FBI announced it had opened an investigation into the matter.
Witness Lucas Scott told local media he heard at least four gunshots after observing several ICE agents surround a white sedan Monday morning.
Senator Angus King of Maine said he learned from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that the victim was subject to an arrest warrant related to his immigration status. King called for a "complete, transparent and open investigation."
Images from the scene showed a security cordon established on a residential street, with a forensic police vehicle parked next to a red tent. Protesters gathered in the area, some carrying signs accusing ICE of killing a father and demanding the agency leave Biddeford.
Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain issued a statement saying: "A person has died, and their loved ones and the people of our community deserve clear answers about what happened." He acknowledged the fear and uncertainty the incident had caused in the city.
The shooting comes one week after an ICE agent shot and killed a Mexican man in Texas, intensifying criticism of the agency's methods as it carries out the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign.
Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)