Family Demands Justice in Biddeford ICE Shooting, Cites Pattern of Conduct

Family Urges Prosecution in Biddeford ICE Shooting Case

A lawyer representing the family of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero is calling on Congress to prosecute the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in his fatal shooting. The incident occurred on July 13 in Biddeford, Maine, and has sparked calls for justice and reform. Sean P. Murphy, the family’s attorney, testified at a forum in Washington, D.C., on September 22, highlighting what he described as a pattern of conduct by federal agents.

Murphy stated that Guerrero, a 25-year-old father of a three-year-old daughter, was not the intended target of the ICE operation. He also emphasized that Guerrero had no criminal history and possessed valid work authorization. The family’s account of the event includes a tragic detail: a bullet reportedly pierced the empty car seat belonging to Guerrero’s daughter, Dulce, as it struck him. Karolina Rojas Alvarez, Guerrero’s wife, has publicly demanded justice, stating that no immigrant should be subjected to such violence.

ICE’s Account of the Shooting

The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have provided a different perspective on the events. According to their statement, ICE agents were conducting surveillance for an individual with a final order of removal. They claim Guerrero was not the target of this operation. ICE further stated that Guerrero attempted to flee, and an officer discharged their weapon out of concern for public safety. These differing accounts underscore the ongoing investigation into the justification of the shooting.

Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Reform

The Maine Attorney General’s office is currently investigating the shooting, as is standard procedure under state law for homicides and the use of deadly force by federal agents. As of the latest reports, this investigation remains open, and no public findings have been released regarding whether the shooting was legally justified. No charges have been announced against the ICE agent involved.

The case has drawn broader attention, with some lawmakers and state officials calling for significant changes to ICE. Maine Governor Janet Mills has publicly urged Congress to “fundamentally reform – or abolish – ICE,” citing the Biddeford shooting as a reason for such action. Democratic lawmakers who co-hosted the September forum have also voiced concerns about accountability in fatal encounters involving federal immigration agents. Murphy’s testimony aimed to connect the Biddeford incident to a larger pattern of behavior, arguing that such events are not isolated but rather reflect broader policies and conduct that could affect anyone’s safety.

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