Former Vice President Kamala Harris Criticizes ICE After Fatal Shooting in Maine

On Tuesday, former Vice President Kamala Harris sharply criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shooting of a Colombian national during an operation in Maine. Her response drew criticism from opponents who noted her silence on other high-profile murders committed by illegal immigrants.

Harris called for “an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation” into the death of Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old who was shot on Monday after trying to flee ICE officers during the operation. The Department of Homeland Security reported that the operation aimed to execute a final order of removal on an illegal immigrant.

Joan Sebastian Guerrero should still be alive,” Harris wrote Tuesday on X. “This is the second time in a week that ICE agents have killed someone who — by their own admission — was not the subject of their operation. Now Sebastian is dead, his killing witnessed by his three-year-old daughter wearing her Bluey pajamas.

Guerrero was legally in the United States, and Harris argued that such incidents “cannot be acceptable in America.” She insisted that those responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable.

Her comments sparked online criticism, with many referencing her role in the Biden administration’s efforts to address migration from Central America. Notably, federal officials estimated around 2 million known “gotaways” entered the U.S. during this administration.

ICE officers were conducting surveillance at the last known address of an illegal immigrant with a removal order in Biddeford, Maine, on Monday. Guerrero allegedly attempted to escape in a vehicle when officers approached, according to Homeland Security. Concerned for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon, resulting in Guerrero’s injury and subsequent death.

An eyewitness reported that Guerrero seemed to drive toward federal agents before shots were fired. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated Guerrero was not the intended target, though he had crossed the border illegally in September 2023 during the Biden administration. He was granted a work permit in May 2025, which does not confer legal status.

Critics accused Harris and other Democrats of being less vocal about American victims killed by illegal immigrants while condemning ICE enforcement actions. The deaths of individuals such as Georgia nursing student Laken Riley and Maryland mother Rachel Morin by illegal immigrants have been highlighted. Social media users demanded equal attention to both cases.

Harris refrained from publicly acknowledging these deaths until questioned by Fox News host Bret Baier in October 2024, where she expressed sympathy but did not attribute responsibility to the Biden administration.

Republicans raised these cases during the 2024 presidential campaign, advocating tighter immigration enforcement. Angel families, who are relatives of victims of illegal immigrants, have become advocates for stricter border security. These families have appeared alongside prominent Republicans at events emphasizing crimes by illegal entrants.

Harris’ statement follows another incident where she called for investigation after a separate fatal ICE shooting in Houston involving Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. The Department of Homeland Security reported that Araujo attempted to ram federal officers during a traffic stop.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and Harris for additional comments. Elaine Mallon writes about national politics for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.