White House border authority Tom Homan expressed concerns on Sunday regarding an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent linked to the shooting of a Colombian national in Maine. If allegations of domestic violence and misconduct are confirmed, the agent may not have passed the agency’s screening process. On CNN’s State of the Union, Homan discussed the issues surrounding officer David Brouillette. Questions were raised about whether ICE’s vetting procedures were effective.
“If those are facts, I don’t think he should ever have cleared vetting,” Homan stated. He questioned the potential failures in the vetting process. “How did the vetting process fail? Was that information not available? Did they not know? So, there’s a separate administrative investigation on what happened here.” Newsweek has contacted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Maine Attorney General’s Office for comments.
Details of the Maine ICE Shooting
Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian national authorized to work in the United States, was shot during an ICE operation in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13. DHS initially claimed agents were conducting surveillance on a location linked to a person with a final removal order. They attempted a vehicle stop, and when the driver tried to flee, an officer discharged a weapon due to public safety concerns.
The incident attracted national attention when DHS confirmed that Durán Guerrero was not the operation’s target. Surveillance footage reviewed by Newsweek showed the chaotic aftermath, including a vehicle moving erratically and witnesses reporting five shots. Additional footage revealed federal agents pulling Durán Guerrero from the vehicle and attempting medical aid after he was handcuffed.
The shooting has led to protests and renewed scrutiny over ICE’s use of force during vehicle stops. Criticism intensified after it was revealed that officers involved were not wearing body cameras despite federal efforts to expand their use.
Agent Brouillette’s Background Raises Concerns
David Brouillette, identified as the agent who fired the shots, has a controversial history including allegations of domestic violence, mental health issues, and protective orders related to former spouses. These claims have been denied by Brouillette in court. His ex-wife alleged severe domestic violence, while another accused him of stalking and abuse. Family court records mentioned requests for protective orders, leading a judge to temporarily order him to surrender his firearms.
Some Democrats have questioned how Brouillette passed ICE screening during the Trump administration’s rapid agency expansion. On State of the Union, Homan acknowledged the concerns, stating it would have been a vetting issue if Brouillette had such a history and it should have been flagged for decision-makers. ICE’s internal affairs division is reviewing whether any relevant background information was missed.
ICE Reviewing Procedures
While probing this case, Homan defended the wider screening practices, noting ICE’s 30,000 employees undergo vetting. “ICE has about 30,000 employees. They all go through vetting. This is kind of a rare instance,” he maintained. ICE is reevaluating training and protocols following this and a Texas shooting case. Acting ICE Director David Venturella has implemented interim changes, including mandatory body camera usage during stops and deploying seasoned agents for operations.
The Maine shooting continues under investigation by the FBI, Maine Attorney General’s Office, and DHS’s Office of Inspector General.
Another ICE Shooting Sparks Criticism
The shooting of Durán Guerrero occurred shortly after another incident in Houston, where ICE fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national residing in the U.S. for 35 years. ICE’s account of the event has been disputed by witnesses in the van, including Salgado Araujo’s son, who criticized ICE and DHS at a congressional hearing. “Over the past two weeks we’ve had to grieve our father too soon,” he mentioned. ICE initially claimed their target was Salgado Araujo, later admitting a mistake. DHS reported that agents lacked body cameras.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is currently investigating the Houston incident.
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