Correction Reveals Maine ICE Shooting Victim Was Not Original Target of Warrant
Senator King’s Office Updates Initial Information
Maine ICE shooting victim was not target – A man who lost his life following an encounter with an ICE agent in Maine has been determined not to be the primary subject of the arrest warrant that federal officers were executing. According to statements released by Senator Angus King’s office, this represents a significant change from the information the senator had initially received from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin just hours before.
In a subsequent conversation with Fox News, the Maine Republican confirmed that Mullin reached out to provide updated details regarding the incident. The secretary clarified that the individual who died was not the person the warrant specifically named. King explained the sequence of events, noting that Mullin had first communicated that the deceased was indeed the warrant’s target, but then proactively called back to correct his earlier statement.
“When I first talked to him, he said the person was the target of the warrant. He called me back. He initiated a call to me to say he had learned subsequently that he was not the target of the warrant,” King stated.
The senator acknowledged that Mullin had provided inaccurate information initially, but expressed appreciation for the secretary’s willingness to correct the record once the error was discovered.
Details of the Fatal Encounter in Biddeford
The tragic incident took place in Biddeford, a coastal community located approximately fifteen miles to the southwest of Portland. Earlier on Monday afternoon, King had addressed reporters about the situation, sharing what he had been told by the Homeland Security Secretary at that time.
“About 20 minutes ago, I talked to Secretary Markwayne [Mullin] of the Department of Homeland Security about the incident in Biddeford,” King told reporters Monday afternoon. “The individual who has been killed is a male in his 20s. That’s all I know about him.”
According to King’s initial account, the deceased had received an order to depart the United States. He was operating a vehicle when he pulled out, and Mullin described the situation as the driver having “weaponized” the automobile before being shot by an ICE officer. At that point, King believed the victim was the intended target of the immigration enforcement action.
“He had given me incorrect information,” King told Fox News. “Once he learned it was incorrect, he let me know which I respect.”
ICE Statement and Ongoing Investigation
An ICE spokesperson provided additional context in a statement to Fox News Digital, explaining that officers were performing “targeted surveillance on the last known address of an illegal alien with a final order of removal.” The spokesperson noted that the individual left the residence in a vehicle, and when ICE law enforcement attempted a vehicle stop, the driver tried to flee the scene.
Fearing for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon. The driver was struck and emergency services were promptly contacted, but the individual ultimately passed away from his injuries. Both the Biddeford Police Department and the FBI responded to the location, and the DHS Office of Inspector General has been notified of the incident.
“DHS OIG has been notified and like all discharge of firearms this will be investigated. This is a developing situation, and we will update the public when more information is available,” the spokesperson said.
King Calls for Transparent Review
During a press conference earlier on Monday, King emphasized the need for a comprehensive examination of the fatal shooting. He noted that the FBI would lead the investigation since it involved a federal operation. One challenge in this case is the absence of video evidence, as body cameras were not activated on the agents present.
“What I said to the Secretary was, we want a full, transparent and open investigation of this matter,” King said. “And one of the problems is apparently – and again, everything I’m saying is what I know now, certain facts may come out – but apparently there are no cameras. Body cameras were not on the agents. So we have no video evidence of what occurred in this case.”
King expressed confidence that Mullin would honor his commitment to a fair process, drawing on their prior working relationship in the Senate. He referenced Ronald Reagan’s famous approach to diplomacy.
“And that’s why I was so explicit with the secretary. I know him from working with him in the Senate before he became secretary. I have no reason to think that he’s not telling me the truth. But my motto, as with Ronald Reagan, is trust but verify,” King said.
The senator plans to remain closely involved in monitoring the investigation to ensure that investigators properly evaluate whether the victim’s actions with his vehicle warranted the use of deadly force. King intends to stay engaged until all relevant facts are uncovered and the investigation proceeds in a comprehensive and transparent manner.
