Federal Officials Suspend Most ICE Vehicle Stops Following Shootings

On July 13, 2026, in Biddeford, Maine, 25-year-old Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero from Colombia was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The incident, captured by a home security camera, recorded the sound of five gunshots at 7:17 a.m. ET.

A photo from the scene showed the white sedan, driven by Guerrero, with multiple bullet holes in the windshield. Another surveillance video, taken seconds later, depicted ICE agents approaching both sides of the slowing vehicle, leading to it turning in circles for about a minute. By 7:19 a.m., a white SUV driven by an ICE agent pinned the sedan, and Guerrero was pulled out, wounded, onto the pavement.

Witness Daniel Boucher reported hearing the gunshots and witnessing the aftermath. Reflecting on the event, Boucher stated, “I heard him say, ‘I tried to stop.’ He was still cognizant because they told him to calm down.” Boucher described the event as unforgettable, noting the shock of the ICE officer involved.

First responders treated Guerrero at the scene, as shown by doorbell video footage. He was a married man with a young daughter, employed as a delivery driver. Guerrero died at the location. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE agents in the area were conducting surveillance at a known address of an illegal alien facing a final removal order. However, CBS News learned from law enforcement sources that Guerrero was not the intended target.

Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine shared concerns during an interview, stating, “I had heard, on good authority, though not confirmed by [DHS], that they perhaps shot the wrong person.” DHS indicated Guerrero attempted to flee, prompting an ICE officer to fire, citing public safety fears.

This event mirrored a previous incident involving Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican man, who was shot by an ICE officer on July 7, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Similarly, Salgado Araujo was not an intended target. These incidents have led to a suspension of most vehicle stops by federal officials during immigration enforcement operations.

The directive affects ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, focusing on civil immigration arrests. Homeland Security Investigations, dealing with criminal cases, remains unaffected. White House border czar Tom Homan clarified that the stoppage is a short-term measure, not a policy change. “They believe it is a necessary short-term pause just to look at it and make sure everything’s good,” he said.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine commented, “It would be wise for DHS to have a halt in non-urgent traffic stops until we get this straightened out.” She emphasized the importance of investigating to uncover facts about these shootings.

Nicole Sganga contributed to the report.