A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot a driver during an immigration enforcement operation in Biddeford, Maine, as federal authorities investigate the incident amid heightened deportation efforts.
A driver was shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during an immigration enforcement operation in **Biddeford> on Monday, marking another fatal encounter involving federal immigration agents amid the Trump administration’s intensified deportation campaign.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the incident occurred at around 7 a.m. EDT when ICE officers were conducting surveillance at the last known address of an individual with a final removal order. Authorities said a man left the residence in a vehicle, and officers attempted to stop him before he allegedly tried to flee.
DHS said an ICE officer opened fire after believing the driver posed a threat to public safety. However, the department did not provide further details explaining how the vehicle endangered officers or nearby civilians.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Biddeford Police Department responded to the scene, and an investigation into the use of deadly force is underway.
Immigration advocacy groups identified the deceased as a 26-year-old Colombian man who they said was legally authorized to work in the United States and possessed a valid Social Security number. His identity has not been officially released by federal authorities.
The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Presente! Maine condemned the shooting, calling it “devastating, enraging and unacceptable,” while demanding greater transparency and accountability.
Increased Immigration Enforcement
The fatal shooting comes less than a week after another ICE officer fatally shot a man during a traffic stop in Houston. According to reports, at least seven people have been killed during immigration enforcement operations since Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025 and expanded nationwide deportation efforts.
Internal ICE data cited in media reports indicate immigration arrests in Maine have risen sharply in recent weeks, increasing from previous levels to around 70 arrests per day in early July.
Officials Seek Answers
U.S. Senator Angus King said initial information provided by federal officials about the shooting changed during the day.
King said the central issue for investigators is whether the driver’s actions posed a sufficient threat to justify the use of deadly force, regardless of the individual’s immigration status.
Authorities have not announced when additional findings from the investigation will be released.
