ICE Shooting Protests
ICE Agent's Fatal Shooting in Maine Fuels Bicoastal Protests, Prompts Investigations
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In Santa Barbara, a vigil at the Santa Barbara Courthouse drew about 35 attendees who began with a breathing exercise led by organizer Michael Montenegro, then heard personal testimonies and calls to confront white supremacy while pledging continued activism against immigration enforcement abuses; Chelsea Lancaster of SB Resiste highlighted the need to move beyond social media and address systemic racism.
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In Biddeford, Maine, the community memorial and vigil included neighbors identifying the victim—26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero—from Colombia, with an immigrant advocacy organization confirming details to the family; hundreds participated in a candlelight vigil and a march from Mechanics Park to the Hill Street area.
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The Maine shooting involved an ICE agent firing during an arrest operation after authorities say the motorist tried to use his vehicle as a weapon; officials described the motorist as not the target of the warrant, with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin relaying the account to Sen. Angus King and saying the vehicle was 'weaponized' against officers.
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Advocates noted the deceased in Maine was reportedly authorized to work in the U.S. and had a Social Security number, with his family and immigrant rights groups contacting advocacy organizations after the shooting; the Maine attorney general’s office and the FBI opened investigations and the officer involved was placed on leave.
An ICE agent shot and killed a 26-year-old Colombian man in Biddeford, Maine, sparking vigils, street memorials, and protests across the country. WCAX reported that hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil and marched from Mechanics Park to the Hill Street area where the shooting took place.
The victim was identified as Joan Sebastian Guerrero. Advocates say he was authorized to work in the U.S. and had a Social Security number — raising urgent questions about who ICE is targeting and why.
What ICE Says Happened in Biddeford
Federal officials say an ICE agent opened fire after Guerrero tried to use his vehicle as a weapon during an arrest operation. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Sen. Angus King that the vehicle was 'weaponized' against officers. Crucially, Guerrero was not the intended target of the arrest warrant, according to WNDU.
The officer involved was placed on administrative leave. The Maine attorney general's office and the FBI both opened investigations into the shooting, according to Hawaii News Now.
A Street Memorial Grows Where Guerrero Was Killed
Neighbors quickly identified Guerrero from Colombia after an immigrant advocacy group confirmed details to his family. A memorial of flowers, candles, and personal items grew on the street corner where he died, according to 12 On Your Side.
Hundreds showed up for the candlelight vigil. The crowd then marched from Mechanics Park to the Hill Street area. Community members and immigrant rights groups called for full accountability and policy changes to how ICE carries out enforcement operations.
Santa Barbara Vigil Honors Two ICE Victims
On July 13, about 35 people gathered at the Santa Barbara Courthouse to honor both Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, another man killed during an ICE encounter. Organizer Michael Montenegro of Chicano Culture SB opened with a breathing exercise before attendees shared personal stories, according to Santa Barbara Independent.
Chelsea Lancaster of SB Resiste urged the crowd to move beyond social media outrage and confront systemic racism head-on. Speakers challenged white supremacy and pledged continued activism. 'We need to go beyond posting,' Lancaster said, calling for real, sustained organizing against immigration enforcement abuses.
Advocates Push Back on Who ICE Is Really Targeting
The Maine case has sharpened a national debate. Guerrero reportedly had a valid work authorization and a Social Security number. His family and immigrant rights groups contacted advocacy organizations immediately after the shooting, according to Hawaii News Now.
The fact that Guerrero was not even the target of the warrant has fueled outrage. Advocates say it shows that enforcement operations put bystanders at risk. Community organizers across both Maine and California say they will keep pushing for oversight and reform until there is accountability.
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