Biddeford man shot by ICE was not intended target, according to lawmaker

A federal lawmaker has stated that the Biddeford man fatally shot today by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was not the intended target of the arrest warrant.

This morning, a person was fatally shot by an ICE agent at the corner of Pool and Hill streets in Biddeford. The Maine Immigrant Rights’ Coalition stated that the person killed was a 26-year-old Columbian man who had a Social Security number.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D) said on a Facebook post that the man who was killed by ICE was not the target of the operation.

“This horrific incident must be investigated thoroughly, transparently, and with Maine officials involved every step of the way,” said Pingree.

Upon hearing that ICE agents targeted the wrong man, Governor Janet Mills commented on X.

“This development makes this tragedy even more disturbing and infuriating, and it underscores the reckless and haphazard manner in which immigration enforcement operations are being conducted in Maine and across the country. This has to end,” said Mills.

The Maine Attorney General’s Office is investigating the fatal shooting.

“Initial statements indicate an Enforcement Removal Operations Officer was conducting an enforcement operation related to a final order of removal when the subject attempted to flee in a vehicle in the direction of the officer and was fatally shot,” stated the Maine Attorney General’s Office in a written statement.

The Attorney General’s Office said the Enforcement Removal Operations Officer has been placed on leave, which is standard protocol in police involved shootings.

Monday night, hundreds of people turned out in Biddeford for a vigil and walk to and from Mechanic’s Park. Some held candles, and some held signs with slogans like “Save Democracy,” and “Ice Out Now.” As they reentered the park, many chanted “ICE get out of here, Our love is stronger than fear.”

On the corner of Pool and Hill streets, a memorial had been constructed in honor of the man who died. There were flowers, candles, and notes left by those who had visited the site. There was also a plush Bluey toy, a tribute to the daughter of the dead man, who has been described by neighbors as a three-year-old wearing Bluey pajamas.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.