A man fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Biddeford, Maine, was not the intended target of the arrest warrant being executed, according to Sen. Angus King’s office. This statement marks a revision of information previously relayed to King by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
King, I-Maine, stated that Mullin later informed him that the victim "was not the target of the warrant." Mullin had initially told King that the individual was the target of the operation and had been ordered to leave the country. "He had given me incorrect information," King told Fox News. "Once he learned it was incorrect, he let me know which I respect."
The incident occurred in Biddeford, a coastal city southwest of Portland. According to the initial account given by Mullin to King, the man, who was in his 20s, was in a vehicle that was "weaponized" and the ICE agent fired after the vehicle was used in a manner that posed a threat. King had previously stated that the individual had been issued a removal order.
King has requested a "full, transparent and open investigation" into the fatal shooting, which will be led by the FBI. He noted the absence of body cameras on the agents involved, meaning there is no video evidence of the event. Mullin has committed to King that the investigation will be fair and transparent. King expressed his intention to monitor the investigation closely, stating, "trust but verify."
Investigators will need to determine if the man's actions with the vehicle justified the use of deadly force, King said. The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Presente! Maine identified the deceased as a 26-year-old Colombian man, emphasizing he was a member of the community and his life was tragically cut short. The groups called for answers and a transparent account of what transpired.
Following the shooting, protesters gathered outside the office of Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, chanting slogans and entering the building. Collins stated that the FBI is investigating the incident and that it requires a "full and impartial investigation."
Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, confirmed she had been briefed on the incident involving federal law enforcement and that state police are cooperating with local and federal officials. The Biddeford Police Department confirmed responding to a call involving ICE personnel.