Portland vigil draws hundreds to Monument Square

Hundreds of people, many holding flowers, gathered in Portland’s Monument Square on Monday evening to sing and light candles in honor of the 26-year-old killed that morning by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Biddeford. It happened at the same time as similar gatherings around the state.

The event included a speech from U.S. Senate hopeful Troy Jackson, who said he was tired of coming to the square for remembrances, and called for the abolition of ICE.

Mills says ‘reckless and haphazard’ immigration operations have to stop

Gov. Janet Mills spoke more on the shooting in a Monday evening tweet after putting out a brief statement earlier in the day. Mills referred to the update from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that the victim was not the intended target of the Immigration Customs Enforcement operation.

“This development makes this tragedy even more disturbing and infuriating, and it underscores the reckless and haphazard manner in which immigration enforcement operations are being conducted in Maine and across the country,” Mills said. “This has to end.”

Vigil kicks off in Biddeford

Hundreds of people gathered at Mechanics Park in Biddeford on Monday evening for a vigil to honor the man shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the city, less than 12 hours after the shooting at Hill and Pool streets.

The park, which was the site of ICE protests throughout the day, took on a different tone at 7 p.m. Passionate chants had turned into songs of love and peace. A place to vent feelings of frustration became a place to grieve.

Counter-protesters arrive ahead of vigil

Tensions boiled over briefly ahead of a planned vigil at Mechanics Park in Biddeford.

As Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters continued chanting at the park, several counter-protesters with pro-Trump flags and apparel formed at the opposite corner of Main and Water streets.

ICE breaks silence on shooting

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed Monday evening that the agency fatally shot a man who they said attempted to flee the scene in his vehicle.

According to a statement from a spokesperson, ICE agents were conducting “targeted surveillance on the last known address of an illegal alien with a final order of removal” around 7 a.m. Monday.

Biddeford looking to aid residents in wake of tragedy, mayor says

As protesters continued to line the corner of Main and Water streets by Mechanics Park, Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain stopped to talk with reporters.

The only new information he’s learned about Monday morning’s shooting since a statement he made earlier in the day came from Sen. Angus King’s office, he said, who earlier confirmed with federal officials that the victim was not the target of federal agents’ operation Monday morning.

Biddeford shooting victim was not ICE’s intended target, officials say

The man who was fatally shot in an incident involving federal immigration agents in Biddeford on Monday was not the intended target of an arrest warrant, Sen. Angus King’s office said.

A spokesperson for King confirmed Monday afternoon that, hours after the senator held a press conference at the Portland International Jetport on the shooting, he was informed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that the “victim was not the target of the warrant.”

Nearby immigrant-friendly business empty hours after shooting

Pool Street was cordoned off for several hours. A bodega up the street didn’t see customers all day until the road was opened up around 2:30 p.m, and even then saw only a few.

“Most of the customers coming in here are immigrants,” said Wenser Montero, a friend of the owner at 77 Convenience.

Republican candidate for governor: Let ‘facts, not politics, drive our conclusions’

Bobby Charles, the Republican gubernatorial nominee from Leeds and a former investigator under several presidents, said in a statement Monday afternoon that “Maine deserves the truth about what happened.”

“We don’t have full details yet, and anyone claiming to know exactly what happened is getting ahead of the facts. What I do know is this: federal agents put their lives on the line every day, often in split-second, dangerous situations, and if an agent’s life was threatened, he had every right under the law to protect himself, just as any Maine citizen would,” Charles said. “What happened in the moments before that decision was made is now for Maine’s Attorney General and the FBI to determine, thoroughly and transparently.”

Shooting victim identified by neighbor

The man who was shot and killed in Biddeford on Monday morning has been identified as Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26 year-old originally from Colombia.

Guerrero was identified by one of his neighbors, who said they had spoken to a few times, pointing to Guerrero’s Facebook page filled with photos of his wife and young daughter.

Witness: Body, blood on the sidewalk for hours

Jay Thomas McCue sat on the back deck of his Pool Street home Monday after the road had been opened back up. He heard the gunshots early in the morning.

When he looked out the window, he saw dozens of cars, law enforcement officers and someone lying on the ground. What bothered him most, he said, was that the body of the victim was on the sidewalk for the next five hours.

Biddeford mayor receives “avalanche” of media inquiries from across country

The eyes of the country are on Biddeford.

Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain says he’s received “an avalanche” of requests from media outlets across the country for additional information on Monday morning’s shooting.

Border Patrol says it wasn’t involved in operation

Ryan Brissette, a public affairs officer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Monday afternoon that the agency was not involved in the event but “did offer medical support” on scene in Biddeford.

He said the medical support was ultimately not needed, and referred a reporter to ICE for further information about the shooting.

Nirav Shah says ICE reform would be worth a shutdown

FREEPORT — Nirav Shah said Monday he would not support any additional funding for federal immigration enforcement efforts until the agency is reformed and held accountable for its aggressive tactics under President Donald Trump, even if opposing the funding would lead to a government shutdown.

Shah, the state’s former director of Center for Disease Control and prevention, criticized Republican Sen. Susan Collins for appropriating $70 billion for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the end of Trump’s second term.

Former Gov. LePage calls for “calm” in wake of deadly immigration shooting

Former Gov. Paul LePage, the Republican running for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, said in a social media post around 2:50 p.m. Monday that the “events which took place in Biddeford this morning remind us all to remain calm and allow for a full, transparent and fair investigation before rushing to judgement without all of the details.”

“The Department of Homeland Security has indicated they will pursue a transparent investigation. Our men and women at all levels of law enforcement are often in situations where they have to make split-second decisions in rapidly changing situations,” LePage said. “In any incident like this, law enforcement, and the deceased, deserve a fair process that carefully examines all of the facts. Any loss of life is tragic but anyone who would seek to politicize this incident to try and perpetuate illegal immigration is wrong.”

Maine AG confirms ICE agent shot man in Biddeford

An immigration agent fatally shot a man who had “attempted to flee in a vehicle in the direction of the officer,” according to the Office of the Maine Attorney General.

The agency is investigating the fatal use of deadly force, which occurred when immigration agents were  “conducting an enforcement operation related to a final order of removal.”

Biddeford mayor joins calls for transparent investigation

Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain said the family and loved ones of the person who died “deserve compassion, dignity and, in time, a full understanding of the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”

He stopped short of confirming which agency shot the person, but said in a statement Monday afternoon that state officials have told him there is “strong cooperation” among several law enforcement agencies that are investigating the use of deadly force.

Lewiston stands with Biddeford: ‘ICE needs to leave…’

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said his city stands with Biddeford as more information about the shooting comes to light.

“Our hearts go out to the friends and family of the individual and the entire community,” Sheline said. “While an impartial and transparent investigation will take time, one thing is already clear: ICE needs to leave Maine now.”

Pingree says ICE agents weren’t wearing body cameras at time of shooting

Rep. Chellie Pingree said she is in contact with ICE officials regarding this morning’s shooting in Biddeford but has “learned very little.”

She added it appears the immigration agents involved were not wearing body cameras.

Maine medical examiner’s office involved

An official at the state medical examiner’s office confirmed Monday afternoon that the victim’s body will be taken to Augusta for an autopsy.

Lindsey Chasteen at the Maine Office of Chief Medical Examiner said the agency was “notified of a death that occurred during a law enforcement incident,” but declined to share further details, including the person’s identity.

Protestors marching back down Main Street

Protesters walk down Main Street in Biddeford on Monday, after a man was fatally shot. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)

The crowd of several hundred anti-ICE protestors is making its way back to Mechanics Park after swamping Main Street, Biddeford City Hall and Sen. Susan Collins’ office.

“No more hate, no more fear!” crowd leaders shouted as they walked down the road.

Legal advocates demand full, transparent investigation

The executive director of Maine’s Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project said in a news release Monday that the organization is “devastated” by the news of the killing in Biddeford.

While the organization doesn’t have any information about the victim at this time, executive director Sue Roche said in a statement that the group is monitoring the events and is calling for a full, transparent investigation.

Jackson, Shah call for ICE to be dismantled

Senate candidates Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah said they support abolishing federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement while attending a protest in Biddeford.

Troy Jackson joins protests in Mechanics Park in Biddeford after a man was killed in a shooting involving federal immigration agents Monday morning. Jackson is running to replace Graham Platner as the Democrat’s nominee to challenge Sen. Susan Collins in November. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)

“It’s a rogue agency that I don’t believe has leadership,” Jackson told the Press Herald. “There’s a way that you go out and enforce the law. And what happened this morning, I can’t see how that’s a way to enforce any law.”

Sen. Angus King says FBI will investigate ICE shooting, calls for transparency

Sen. Angus King said he spoke with Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin about the shooting incident in Biddeford Monday morning. The Federal Bureau of Investigation will lead the investigation, said King.

“What I said to the secretary was, ‘We want a full, transparent and open investigation of this matter,’” said King at a press conference at noon at the Portland International Jetport.

Protesters descend on Susan Collins’ Biddeford office

A group of protesters storm into the Biddeford office of Sen. Susan Collins on Monday after a fatal shooting that involved federal immigrant agents. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)

Some two dozen protestors marched into Sen. Susan Collins’ office as a crowd of several hundred chanted “ICE out now!” outside. They were shooed out of the office minutes later.

Protestors chanted “Vote her out” and other slogans opposing Collins’ votes to increase ICE funding.

Sen. Susan Collins releases statement on shooting

“The shooting in Biddeford requires a full and impartial investigation of what happened,” Collins, the lone Republican in Maine’s congressional delegation, said.

“It is my understanding that the Biddeford police have secured the site, and the FBI is investigating.”

Hannah Pingree posts on ICE-involved shooting

The Democratic nominee for governor, Hannah Pingree, wrote in a social media post around 11:30 a.m. Monday that a “life was lost in Biddeford this morning in a shooting involving ICE.”

“I’m monitoring closely and will share updates as they come,” Pingree, a former Maine House speaker and daughter of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said. “Every Mainer deserves safety and security in their own community, along with transparency and a thorough, independent investigation into what happened.” 

Neighbor recalls seeing victim’s family at scene of shooting

Cecelia Humiston, 22, lives on Chapel Street. She was asleep with her two-year-old son when she woke up to the sounds of a commotion on surrounding streets.

When she went to investigate, she saw what appeared to be a person lying on the ground on Pool Street.

House Speaker Ryan Fecteau reiterates ICE agents involved in fatal shooting

House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, issued a statement around 12:25 p.m. that largely reiterated what other officials said in terms of mentioning that ICE “was involved” and that Maine State Police as well as Attorney General Aaron Frey’s office are on scene in Biddeford to investigate.

Fecteau said he will share more details as they are relayed to him.

Immigrant advocates call for transparent investigation

The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Presente! Maine called for state and federal authorities to conduct a “prompt, independent, and transparent investigation” of each agency and officer involved in the shooting.

“ICE must not be allowed to investigate itself or control the public narrative surrounding a death in which its personnel or operations were involved,” the advocacy groups said in a news release Monday afternoon. “We also call on our elected officials to invest in a fair, functional, and humane immigration system, not further expansion of immigration enforcement, and to strengthen protections that prevent local resources from being diverted toward federal immigration enforcement.”

Protests grow after ICE-involved shooting

Immigrant organizations identify man who died as immigrant from Colombia

The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Presente! Maine said the person who died in the shooting is a 26-year-old Colombian man.

Presente! said the man was authorized to work in the U.S. and had been issued a Social Security number.

State, federal authorities confirm investigation, but won’t release details

Spokespeople for FBI Boston and Maine State Police confirmed Monday afternoon that their agencies are investigating a shooting incident in Biddeford, along with the Office of the Maine Attorney General.

Kristen Setera, spokesperson for the FBI’s Boston division, said in a statement that the federal agency responded to the scene “immediately following this morning’s shooting incident” but declined to share further details about the shooting, including whether ICE was involved.

Local leader calls for transparent investigation

As he waited to participate in a demonstration just hours after the shooting, State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, a Democrat who represents Biddeford, said he’s saddened and troubled by the events of the morning.

“My heart goes out to the victim and the victim’s family, and what’s needed is an investigation this city and this state can trust,” he said.

Biddeford residents react to shooting

One Biddeford resident, Kelsie Wilson, doesn’t live near the scene, but said she is shocked and upset.

“I can’t believe it, it makes me so sad,” she said.

Gov. Mills says she’s being briefed on shooting

Gov. Janet Mills put out a brief statement just after 11:45 a.m. Monday saying she has been “briefed on the fatal shooting in Biddeford this morning involving Federal law enforcement.”

“The Maine State Police are at the scene supporting and working cooperatively with the Attorney General’s Office, Maine’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and Federal officials to determine the facts of what occurred this morning,” Mills said.

Woman drives from Kennebunk to protest ICE in Biddeford

Rachel Phipps drove up from Kennebunk on Monday morning to protest ICE presence in Biddeford following the killing of someone on Pool Street.

“I wanna make sure, whoever was just killed here in Biddeford, that everyone knows their name by tomorrow,” she said.

Biddeford incident could add to growing list of ICE shootings

Monday’s early morning shooting in Biddeford could add to the growing list of instances in which federal immigration officials have shot and killed suspects over the last year and a half.

The Guardian reported last week that there have been 10 fatal shootings nationwide since President Donald Trump was elected to a second term and made immigration enforcement a top priority. The Associated Press has documented eight shootings.

Democratic candidates for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat criticize ICE on social media

Numerous Maine Democrats hoping to replace Graham Platner on the U.S. Senate ballot weighed in on the shooting Monday morning on social media. The contenders who lost primaries last month for offices such as governor and the U.S. House have all more or less called for eliminating or sharply restructuring ICE.

“Someone is dead. I don’t have details, and won’t speculate. But this is at least the 11th fatal shooting involving ICE or Border Patrol under Trump. It’s time to get ICE off our streets,” Secretary of State Shenna Bellows tweeted.

Residents say ICE was active in Biddeford in recent weeks

Several people who live near the location of Monday’s shooting said they had seen and heard about increased ICE activity in recent weeks.

“They chased down a bunch of guys working on a roof down the street a week or two ago,” said neighbor Larry Humiston. “They all ran. I saw one guy jump off the roof to get away. They left all their equipment on top of the roof.”

Portland city councilors respond to Biddeford shooting

Portland City Councilor Pious Ali, who has been outspoken against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, called for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be abolished Monday following the Biddeford shooting.

In the statement on social media, he said while he “won’t speculate on details we don’t have yet,” the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement “runs on fear, not safety.”

Biddeford police confirm ICE involved

In a statement to media Monday morning, the Biddeford Police Department said it would not be releasing any more updates on the shooting.

The department said it responded to calls about the incident at the corner of Pool and Hill streets on Monday morning, and confirmed that the shooting involved personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Crowds gather in protest

As crowds gathered at the corner of Pool Street and Foss Street, Sam Bullock, 48, affixed a sign to her porch that read “ABOLISH ICE.”

She and her husband, Jeremy Lindemann live around the corner from the scene. They’ve seen an increase in ICE presence since February, but never expected someone to be killed in their neighborhood, Bullock said.

Witness saw gunshot victim bleeding from head

Two residents who live at the intersection of Pool and Hill streets say they heard gunshots and watched Monday morning as agents tried to stop a car driven by the man who had been shot.

Daniel Boucher said he saw the man, who has not been identified by authorities, get out of the car while bleeding profusely from the head.

Bullet holes seen in car windshield

Several bullet holes are scattered across the front windshield of a white Kia sedan after a white police SUV had smashed into it at the intersection of Hill Street and Pool Street in Biddeford.

A white Kia sedan with bullet holes through the windshield at the intersection of Hill and Pool street in Biddeford after a reported shooting involving immigration agents. (Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)

Video shows car driving near scene

The car of the apparent shooting victim was seen rolling slowly down the street as law enforcement followed.

Biddeford recreation field trip cancelled

The shooting Monday led to the cancellation of a planned field trip for Biddeford Recreation day campers, but staff said the day is otherwise normal.

Biddeford Recreation Director Lisa Thompson said the day camp based at JR Martin Community Center, not far from the location of the shooting, was never placed in lockdown or a shelter in place due to law enforcement stating there was no threat to the public.

Media gathering at St. James School

City officials have directed news outlets to St. James School on Graham Street for any updates, but a time for a press briefing has not yet been officially announced.

Outlets are waiting for further information from officials. So far, at least seven outlets, including the Portland Press Herald, have been waiting at St. James School throughout the morning.

Protests begin near shooting scene

A small group of protesters has gathered near the scene of the shooting. Things seem to be heating up as more law enforcement are showing up.

Alyssa O. of Biddeford protests at the scene of a shooting Monday morning on Pool Street. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)

Rep. Pingree responds to Biddeford incident

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said in a video she posted to Instagram around 9:40 a.m. Monday that she was driving to Portland to catch a flight to Washington when she heard about the ICE shooting.

She and her office are working on learning more details about it, and Pingree offered “my sympathy to the individual and their family and the entire community of Biddeford,” adding “we will be mourning yet another victim.”

Protest planned following shooting

“Folks are really upset,” they wrote in the comments section on their post about the event. “I imagine there will be more.”

Saco mayor offers assistance

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said the city has been watching the events in nearby Biddeford and “providing assistance as needed.”

“Our hearts go out to all involved and we are fully engaged with their efforts,” she said in a written statement. “Our hope is everyone remains calm and works together to provide uncompromising unity for our wonderful communities that we call home.”

Nearby Biddeford residents shocked, saddened

Ron Bernardino and Barbara Malloch live less than two blocks from the scene. They said they heard nothing from their home, but were shocked to hear that a man had been shot and killed.

“I come out here to walk my dog and there was a guy who told me they killed someone,” Bernardini said.

Federal, state officials silent so far on shooting

Authorities with ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have not responded to several requests for information about the shooting.

Spokespeople for Maine State Police and FBI Boston did not immediately respond to calls or emails Monday morning.

ICE activity increased in recent weeks

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its daily arrest goals in recent weeks under the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security head who was confirmed in March, Markwayne Mullin.

Mullin said he wanted ICE detentions to be less headline-grabbing than they were earlier this year, but to still fulfill President Trump’s goal of mass deportations. The New York Times reported on July 1 that nationwide, detentions had roughly doubled from the 1,000 people picked up each day earlier this year.

Witness describes seeing person shot

Lucas Scott, 18, of Wells said he was driving through the intersection of Hill and Pool streets on Monday morning when he saw unmarked vehicles and flashing blue lights.

He said there were people in green vests who appeared to be U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Nearby residents shaken by shooting

Mary Hayes, a resident who lives on Chapel Street, said she had seen only the aftermath at the corner of her road. “There’s a dead body down there,” she cried to her neighbor. “I saw it, I saw his foot.”

Hayes was shaken by the events. “I mean, we live in Maine. We don’t expect this to happen here. What have we come to?“

Several streets blocked off for active crime scene

Several streets in the area of Hill and Pool streets are blocked off as law enforcement crews respond to the scene.

Pool Street is blocked off at Phillips Lane in Biddeford. At the intersection of Pool and Hill streets, a red crime scene tent has been assembled following a reported shooting involving a immigration agents. (Gina Kaufman/Staff Editor)

Dispatchers confirmed the roads are closed due to an an active crime scene, and told a reporter that there is no danger to the public at this time.