A man was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during an operation in Biddeford, Maine, officials confirmed. The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. local time when witnesses observed flashing lights from an unmarked white SUV and at least two officers in green ICE vests surrounding a white sedan.
Witnesses reported hearing at least four gunshots. One witness, Lucas Scott, described seeing agents shouting as they encircled the vehicle. Another resident, Mary Hayes, stated she saw the man's wife fall to her knees upon seeing her husband's body on the ground and a young girl crying.
Senator Angus King, citing information from the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Alejandro Mayorkas, said the man was shot after he attempted to drive his car at law enforcement officers. King described the vehicle as being "weaponized" by the driver.
Officials confirmed that the officers involved in the incident were not equipped with body cameras. An investigation has been launched to determine if the use of deadly force was necessary. "That's what this investigation is all about and I certainly intend to stay after it to do everything I can to be sure the investigation is as transparent and thorough as possible," King said.
The fatal shooting draws renewed scrutiny to DHS and ICE operations. This incident follows a similar event less than a week prior in Houston, where an ICE officer fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old builder. Federal officials later acknowledged that Araujo was not the intended target of the enforcement operation, but stated he had attempted to run over an ICE agent.
These events occur within a broader context of increased immigration enforcement actions. During the Trump administration, fatal shootings by immigration officers of two protesters, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both American citizens, were noted. These incidents followed the administration's announcement of immigration enforcement surges in various states. Federal officials also launched "Operation Catch of the Day" in Maine in January, which led to civil rights organizations filing a lawsuit alleging aggressive tactics by federal agents.