Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after an incident led to the fatal shooting of a Colombian national in Maine. The shooting of Joan Sebastian Guerrero, 26, occurred during an operation aimed at targeting an illegal immigrant subject to a final order of removal. Harris demanded an “immediate, independent, and transparent investigation” into Guerrero’s death.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Guerrero was shot on Monday after attempting to flee ICE officers in a vehicle. Harris expressed her discontent on social media, stating, “Joan Sebastian Guerrero should still be alive.” She highlighted that Guerrero was not the intended target of the operation and his death was witnessed by his young daughter.
Harris stated, “This cannot be acceptable in America” and called for accountability for any wrongdoing. Her comments ignited criticism online, especially from those who pointed out her previous silence on murders committed by illegal immigrants. Many referenced her role in overseeing efforts to address migration from Central America, often labeled as “border czar” by Republicans.
The incident unfolded as ICE officials conducted surveillance in Biddeford, Maine, targeting an illegal immigrant with a final removal order. Guerrero allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle, prompting an officer to discharge his weapon fearing for public safety. Guerrero was struck and later succumbed to his injuries.
“To be clear, work authorization does not confer legal status in the United States,” stated a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
Critics such as social media users argued Harris and other Democrats have been less vocal about mourning Americans killed by illegal immigrants compared to condemning ICE’s enforcement actions. Examples mentioned included the deaths of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley and Maryland mother Rachel Morin, allegedly killed by illegal immigrants.
In contrast, following Guerrero’s death, Harris made her position known through a social media post. However, she did not publicly acknowledge the other cases until prompted in an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier.
Harris’s statement follows another incident in Houston involving Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who attempted to ram federal officers during a traffic stop, leading to a fatal shooting by ICE personnel.
Elaine Mallon, a writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to the coverage by reaching out to the White House and Harris for further comments.
Leave a Reply