ICE Halts Vehicle Stops After Two Fatal Shootings

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has temporarily halted most vehicle stops after two fatal shootings involving its agents within days. On Monday, Johan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian immigrant authorized to work in the U.S., was shot and killed by an ICE agent during a traffic stop in Biddeford, Maine. According to multiple reports, Guerrero was not the target of the ICE operation.

The incident occurred around 7:00 AM ET when ICE agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on Guerrero's white Kia sedan. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the officer discharged his weapon after fearing for public safety as Guerrero attempted to flee the scene. Witnesses reported seeing Guerrero emerge from the car bleeding profusely and saying, 'I tried to stop.' The incident was captured on home security cameras, showing multiple bullet holes in the windshield of Guerrero's vehicle.

On Tuesday evening, a person in Florida was killed while running from ICE agents. This incident followed another fatal shooting on July 7 in Houston, Texas, where Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 53-year-old Mexican immigrant with no criminal record, was shot by ICE agents during a pursuit. Advocacy groups have called for independent investigations into both killings.

The Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition confirmed that Guerrero had a work authorization permit and a Social Security number. Guerrero worked cleaning at a veterinary clinic and then delivered food. He loved his three-year-old child. A joint statement by the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Presente! Maine confirmed he had legal status, a work permit, and a Social Security number.

Democratic lawmakers are pressing for a review of ICE hiring practices and continuing calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Guerrero's death. The Associated Press, Portland Press Herald, and National Public Radio (NPR) identified the officer in question as David Brouillette, according to his family members. The outlets also reported allegations that Brouillette had a history of mental health issues and had purportedly subjected his ex-wife to violent, threatening behavior.

The DHS has pledged to rapidly deploy body cameras to all agents in response to the shootings. As of now, at least 21 people have reportedly died in ICE custody this year, according to the National Immigration Project, though DHS reports only 19 deaths. The suspension of vehicle stops allows for exceptions when executing criminal warrants or working with partner agencies.