Kamala Harris Criticizes ICE After Fatal Shooting in Maine

Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after agents fatally shot a Colombian national during an operation in Maine. She called for an ‘immediate, independent, and transparent investigation’ into the death of 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero. Guerrero was shot while trying to flee ICE officers targeting an illegal immigrant with a final removal order, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Harris expressed her concerns on social media, stating, ‘Joan Sebastian Guerrero should still be alive.’ She emphasized that this incident marked the second time in a week that ICE agents had killed someone who was not the main target of their operation. Guerrero’s death was witnessed by his three-year-old daughter, she noted.

The incident sparked online criticism and brought attention to Harris’ role in overseeing the efforts to address migration from Central America. During the Biden administration, officials reported that around 2 million individuals entered the U.S. illegally without being apprehended.

According to Homeland Security, ICE officers conducted surveillance at the last known address of an illegal immigrant with a final removal order in Biddeford, Maine. Guerrero allegedly fled in a vehicle. Officers, fearing for public safety, discharged a weapon, and Guerrero was struck and later died from his injuries. An eyewitness reported that Guerrero seemed to drive toward the agents before shots were fired.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that Guerrero was not the intended target. The department also stated Guerrero had illegally crossed the border in September 2023 during the Biden administration and had a work permit issued in May 2025. A spokesperson clarified that work authorization does not equate to legal status in the U.S.

Many commentators noted Harris and other Democrats have been more critical of ICE enforcement actions than publicly mourning Americans killed by illegal immigrants. Critics mentioned the 2024 death of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley by a Venezuelan illegal immigrant and Maryland mother Rachel Morin, killed by a Salvadoran illegal immigrant.

Harris did not comment on these cases on social media initially, but later acknowledged them in an interview in 2024, calling them tragic. Angel families, those related to Americans killed by illegal immigrants, have advocated for stricter border security alongside Republican figures.

Harris’ statement follows a similar statement made in July after ICE agents in Houston were involved in a fatal shooting. In that case, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo allegedly attempted to hit federal officers with his vehicle. Harris shared condolence remarks for his family, supporting calls for an investigation.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and Harris for further comments.