AUGUSTA, Maine — The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer involved in the fatal shooting of a Colombian man during an enforcement operation in Maine had a documented history of alleged violent behavior and mental health struggles, according to relatives and court records, prompting renewed scrutiny of federal hiring practices as multiple investigations continue.
The officer, identified by several news organizations as David Brouillette, shot and killed Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero during an ICE operation in Biddeford on July 13. The Department of Homeland Security has said the officer fired after Durán Guerrero attempted to flee in a vehicle that officials said posed a threat to officers. The Maine Attorney General's Office, assisted by the FBI, is investigating the shooting.
Relatives told The Associated Press that Brouillette had displayed violent and erratic behavior over many years, while court records describe allegations of domestic abuse and protective orders sought by former spouses. Family members also said he had experienced serious mental health problems dating back to childhood. The allegations have not resulted in criminal convictions, and ICE has not publicly addressed the reported background or confirmed the officer's identity.
The shooting has intensified questions about ICE's recruitment and screening procedures amid a recent expansion of the agency's workforce. Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Bennie Thompson, have called for investigations into whether existing vetting procedures were adequate and whether broader oversight of the agency is needed.
The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that the use of force followed an incident in which the vehicle created an immediate safety risk. Witnesses and immigrant advocacy groups have disputed aspects of the government's account, and Senator Angus King has said Durán Guerrero was not the intended target of the enforcement operation, underscoring the need for a thorough review of the circumstances.
Following the Maine shooting and another fatal ICE shooting in Texas, the agency has suspended the use of many traffic stops during immigration enforcement operations while reviewing its procedures. The Wall Street Journal reported that ICE also plans to require body cameras during arrests and reassess officer training.
As of July 18, no criminal charges have been announced against the officer. State and federal investigations into the shooting remain ongoing, and officials have not released further findings on the use of force or the officer's employment history.
