Harris Calls for Investigation into ICE Shooting, Sparks Criticism Over Silence on Other Immigrant-Related Murders
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting of a Colombian national by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Maine.
The 26-year-old victim, Joan Sebastian Guerrero, was shot Monday after attempting to flee ICE officers in a vehicle during an operation targeting an illegal immigrant with a final order of removal, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
"Joan Sebastian Guerrero should still be alive," Harris wrote on social media. "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."
Harris' comments have sparked criticism online, with many users pointing to her role in overseeing the Biden administration's efforts to address the root causes of migration from Central America.
During the Biden administration, federal officials estimated that roughly 2 million known "gotaways" entered the U.S. after crossing the border illegally and avoiding capture.
ICE officers were conducting surveillance Monday morning at the last known address of an illegal immigrant with a final order of removal in Biddeford, Maine, when Guerrero allegedly fled in a vehicle after officers attempted to make contact.
"The vehicle attempted to flee the scene and, fearing for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon," the department said in a statement. "The driver of the vehicle was struck, and emergency services were immediately contacted. He passed away from his injuries."
However, critics have pointed out that Harris has been far less vocal in publicly mourning Americans killed by illegal immigrants than in condemning ICE enforcement actions.
Some have cited the 2024 death of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, who was killed by a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, and Maryland mother Rachel Morin, who was raped and murdered by a Salvadoran illegal immigrant.
Harris did not publicly acknowledge the deaths of Riley and Morin until pressed by a Fox News host in an interview last year.
The debate surrounding Harris' comments highlights the complex and contentious issue of immigration and border enforcement in the United States.
Harris' statement follows another recent post she made after a separate fatal ICE shooting in Houston, in which she called for an investigation and expressed her condolences to the victim's family.
The incident has sparked a heated debate online, with some users criticizing Harris for her response and others defending her position.
