Kamala Harris Criticizes ICE Following Fatal Shooting

Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed strong criticism towards Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after agents fatally shot Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a Colombian national, during an operation in Maine. Harris demanded an ‘immediate, independent, and transparent investigation’ into Guerrero’s death.

Guerrero, aged 26, was shot following an attempt to flee ICE officers in a vehicle. The operation aimed at apprehending an illegal immigrant with a final order of removal, as per the Department of Homeland Security. Harris emphasized that Guerrero, who was not the target, should not have died.

Joan Sebastian Guerrero should still be alive, Harris stated on social media. The tragic incident, witnessed by Guerrero’s three-year-old daughter, sparked online criticism directed at Harris. Critics highlighted her role in overseeing Biden administration’s policies addressing migration causes.

Approximately 2 million ‘gotaways’ were estimated to enter the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration. ICE officers were monitoring the last known location of an illegal immigrant in Biddeford, Maine, when Guerrero attempted to escape, prompting an officer to open fire due to safety concerns. Guerrero succumbed to his injuries.

Contrary to initial beliefs, Guerrero was not the intended target. According to Homeland Security, he had illegally crossed the border in 2023 and was granted a work permit for May 2025, although work authorization does not confer legal status.

Harris faced criticism for her perceived lack of response to high-profile murders by illegal immigrants, such as the cases of Laken Riley and Rachel Morin. In response to questions from Fox News host Bret Baier, Harris acknowledged the tragic nature of these events.

These deaths became a key issue for Republicans during the 2024 presidential campaign. ‘Angel families,’ relatives of Americans killed by illegal immigrants, have advocated for stronger border security and were often seen alongside political leaders.

Harris previously commented on another ICE shooting in Houston involving Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, calling for a thorough investigation, emphasizing the importance of accountability.