Person killed in shooting involving ICE in Biddeford, Maine
An ICE agent shoots and kills *** man in Bitterford. We have team coverage from the scene where multiple shots were fired at around 8 o’clock this morning to the protests and rally against ICE, with the community calling for answers and change. Maine again in the national spotlight, and we’re getting new details and responses. Breaking news. *** person is dead after that shooting involving federal ICE agents. Thank you for joining us first at 4. I’m Megan Torgeson and I’m Kathleen Jordan. We know this happened at the intersection of Pole Street and Hill Street in Biddeford. Members of that community are still shaken up this afternoon. We want to get right to John Carrisos, who is leading, leading our coverage from Biddeford right now, where the community is set to gather for *** vigil in just *** few hours. John, what do we know at this point? Kathleen, you mentioned that vigil now set for 7 o’clock and learning just about an hour ago here this afternoon, the main attorney general’s office is now part of this investigation, and here in Mechanics Park you can see the crowd gathering already, those protesters there on the street corner, they are demanding. Answers holding signs trying to understand how *** reported immigration operation ended with *** man dead just *** few blocks away from where we are here. This incident putting Maine back in the national spotlight and the conversation once again over immigration enforcement. You may remember in January ICE agents spread out across Maine for that controversial Operation Catch of the day. So here this afternoon we have all angles covered. We do have that team coverage for you today. Nora Hogan tracking protests and the vigils in the community here at the park. Bonnie Bishop following local. Lawmaker reaction, but we will start with Ronnie Perillo here first at 4, who is on Pool Street learning more details about the shooting. And so Ronnie, that man not identified here yet this afternoon, but we are hearing from two immigrants’ rights groups who are saying that he was *** 26-year-old man from Colombia. That’s right, John, and now federal officials are on scene investigating the shooting that involved immigration and Customs Enforcement this morning, and the Maine Attorney General’s office says it also is investigating today. This all happened shortly after 8 o’clock this morning right here at the corner of Pool and Hill Streets in the city of Biddeford. Neighbors telling us they heard at least 4 gunshots ring out. The AG’s office says an ICE agent was conducting *** final order of removal on *** man in the country illegally when *** man who was driving *** white Kia drove towards the officer and tried. To flee, that’s when officials say the officer fired at the driver and killed him. Now we do know that Kia is registered to *** Jonathan Ramirez of Biddeford. It’s not clear right now if Ramirez was the driver of that vehicle at the time of the shooting. Now we spoke with *** neighbor today shaken up by what happened just feet from the place that she calls home. I see *** small white car being corralled by two men trying to stop it from losing control around the intersection. And, um, all of *** sudden all these, um, plain clothes, um, vested men started running down the street, abandoning their cars, um, kind of everywhere with regular people behind them. And John, like you said, we do know that the man involved, according to an immigrants’ rights group, was *** 26-year-old from Colombia, but that’s all we know. Law enforcement not releasing any names right now. The AG’s office also telling us this afternoon that Maine State Police, Saco police, and Biddeford police are all involved in this investigation, John. OK, Ronnie, thank you. You can probably hear those no ICE protesters behind me here this afternoon and vehicles also driving by beeping their horns, some in support, others screaming out the windows that the protesters should go home and not be here. So you hear those community members taking to the streets calling for ICE to get out of Maine. That is the message here this afternoon. Nora Hogan, she is here as well with those protests all day. Nora, we’ve seen this crowd grow in. Evolve over the day. Still people, *** growing crowd here in Mechanics Parks. What are you hearing from where you are and how have these protests kind of changed throughout the day? John, there are still people here in Mechanics Park, as you pointed out. They started gathering around 11 this morning, slowly growing. By 120, half the park was full of people lining the streets. They started marching up Main Street before gathering. Out in the street in front of Senator Susan Collins’ office and then moving back here to continue their day. I briefly caught up with the police chief. Police officers have been stationed around the city directing traffic when necessary. The police chief tells me she’s happy to report that protesters have remained peaceful today. Those protesters are speaking up for their immigrant friends and neighbors here in Biddeford and calling for accountability from elected officials in the wake of this killing. And I want our state to really take measures to ensure that everybody is safe no matter who they are in this state and until that happens we can’t say that this place is safe for all nations. And coming up at 4:30 we’ll actually take *** look at why this site plays an important and interesting role in the history of Biddeford that bears *** lot of relevance for protesters here today. For now, back to you, John. OK, thank you. We hear that beeping as well. I’m not sure if you can hear that at home, but that is *** public works truck which appears to be setting up some kind of barricades, some concrete barricades, so we’ll keep you posted as we see more about what’s happening over there as the night progresses. But at least two members of Maine’s congressional delegation saying that body. Warned cameras are needed in situations just like this one, but Senator Angus King telling us today that body cameras were not used during today’s shooting. Bonnie Bishop is covering that part of the story here this afternoon. She joins us from the ICE detention facility in Scarborough. Bonnie, what are you hearing from them? Well John, Senator King says that he’s worried that they weren’t wearing body cameras today, saying that’s something that they should have had on them from the start. Now this all comes after Congress passed legislation funding DHS, ICE, and border protection through the end of President Trump’s term just over *** month ago. That $70 billion package includes funding for. Body worn cameras. Congressman Jared Golden voted no on this, as well as Congresswoman Shelley Pingry. Senator King voted no, and Senator Susan Collins voted yes. Senator Collins is weighing in today, calling for *** full and impartial investigation. Governor Janet Mills says situations like these are frightening, and we haven’t heard from Golden just yet, but here is more from King and Pingree. We’ve been told that body cameras would be widely distributed. The secretary told me that. They’re on order that they have been distributed widely across the country, but not everywhere and apparently not in Biddeford, Maine. We had the catch of the day that went on in Maine and people thought when they cleared out and we rounded up the 200 people who had been removed from our state that it was over. But we know through our office because we have *** steady stream of people coming into our office with concerns that ICE is is still operating in our state at *** fairly high level. And John, you touched on Operation Catch of the day that happened earlier this year. I asked Senator King if that’s what we’re going to be seeing again in the near future. He told me that he would be following up on that question with DHS back to you. OK, Bonnie, thank you. So again, just to recap here, that vigil, the next big thing happening at 7 o’clock tonight, but again those protests continuing now, expected to continue until at least then as we do wait to learn more about what happened earlier today. And another theme here tonight calls for accountability as this is now the 2nd deadly IE involved shooting here in less than *** week across the country. The other incident happening in Texas. We’ll take *** closer look at that coming up here at 4:30. For now, Megan and Kathleen, back to you.
Person killed in shooting involving ICE in Biddeford, Maine
The Biddeford Police Department has confirmed there was an incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel at the intersection of Pool Street and Hill Street on Monday morning.Just before noon, Gov. Janet Mills confirmed a person was dead as a result of the shooting. “I know that situations like these are alarming and frightening,” she said. “The Maine State Police are at the scene supporting and working cooperatively with the Attorney General’s Office, Maine’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and Federal officials to determine the facts of what occurred this morning.”At noon, Sen. Angus King said he was told by Homeland Security that the person who was killed was a man in his 20’s who had been given an order to leave the country. He also said DHS told him that the person “weaponized the vehicle” and that they were shot by an ICE agent.The Maine Attorney General’s Office confirmed Monday afternoon that they were investigating the deadly use of force. “Initial statements indicate an Enforcement Removal Operations Officer was conducting an enforcement operation related to a final order of removal when the subject attempted to flee in a vehicle in the direction of the officer and was fatally shot,” the office said in a statement.The Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition identified the victim as a 26-year-old man from Colombia. Mufalo Chitam, the group’s executive director, told CNN that the man was on his way to work. The group said the man was authorized to work in the US and was issued a social security number.Federal officials have not confirmed any of those details about the victim.The vehicle was registered to a Jhonathan Ramires of Pool Street in Biddeford. ABC News spoke with someone who said they saw the person who was shot fixing his brakes in the parking lot at that address.It is not clear if Ramires was the person who was shot. The Colombian Embassy shared a statement on Monday afternoon.”The Embassy of Colombia in the United States, through its Consular Section, is in contact with the relevant U.S. authorities and with representatives of community organisations assisting in the case. Consular officials are working to formally confirm the individual’s identity and nationality and to determine the appropriate procedures in accordance with applicable legal and consular protocols.” The area was closed Monday morning after the shooting at about 8: a.m. Police confirmed the closure to Maine’s Total Coverage at 8:15 a.m.A Maine’s Total Coverage crew saw Maine State Police and the FBI at the scene along with the Biddeford Police Crime Scene Unit.Numerous crime scene markers could also be seen on the pavement in the road as well as two large canopies in the roadway.Video from a nearby doorbell camera that was shared with CNN captures the sound of what appears to be at least four gunshots.Video obtained by ABC News and shared with Maine’s Total Coverage showed first responders giving medical aid to a person who was on their back in the street in the middle of the intersection next to a white sedan. People wearing U.S. Border Patrol vests can be seen standing next to them.The video also showed a law enforcement vehicle in contact with the passenger side of the white sedan. Maine’s Total Coverage has chosen to freeze that video before the body is visible.King said he did not believe any of the agents involved were wearing body cameras at the time.”Different facts may come out, but apparently there are no cameras involved. Body cameras were not on the agents, and, so we have no video, evidence of what occurred in this case,” he said.Biddeford Police Chief JoAnn Fisk told Maine’s Total Coverage that this was not her department’s investigation and that her department was only investigating. She said all information will come from the FBI and Office of the Attorney General.The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have not responded to multiple requests for comment from ABC News or Maine’s Total Coverage. The Maine Attorney General’s Office said information would be released when appropriate.Statement from Maine House Speaker Ryan FecteauRyan Fecteau, who is the Maine Speaker of the House, shared on Monday morning that a shooting had happened.”A person was killed. ICE was involved. State Police and the Department of Public Safety are now on scene to gather details and would expect the FBI to investigate as well. These are the details that I have at this time. I will provide further updates, as they are relayed to me.”A neighbor told Maine’s Total Coverage that she was awoken at about 8 a.m. by the sound of gunshots and then noticed a lot of law enforcement. It was not clear how ICE may have been involved, who may have been shot or who actually fired shots.Reaction to the shootingTroy Jackson, who is running for U.S. Senate, posted “I’ve been alerted to the fatal ICE shooting in Biddeford this morning. Our team is monitoring this situation very closely and will provided updates as we learn more. My heart is with Biddeford – and with all Mainers.” He also said he would be speaking at a rally at noon in Mechanics Park in Biddeford.Project Relief, an immigrant rights advocacy group, shared a statement Monday morning.”We are heartbroken to share that one of our community members was killed this morning during an encounter with ICE in Biddeford. We are in contact with the family and are committed to supporting them during this unimaginable time. This was a young person whose life was cut short, and our community must come together to stand with their loved ones and ensure they are not alone. They must get justice. We will continue to share updates as we learn more, along with ways you can show your solidarity and support the family and the community.”
BIDDEFORD, Maine —
The Biddeford Police Department has confirmed there was an incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel at the intersection of Pool Street and Hill Street on Monday morning.
Just before noon, Gov. Janet Mills confirmed a person was dead as a result of the shooting. “I know that situations like these are alarming and frightening,” she said. “The Maine State Police are at the scene supporting and working cooperatively with the Attorney General’s Office, Maine’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and Federal officials to determine the facts of what occurred this morning.”
At noon, Sen. Angus King said he was told by Homeland Security that the person who was killed was a man in his 20’s who had been given an order to leave the country. He also said DHS told him that the person “weaponized the vehicle” and that they were shot by an ICE agent.
The Maine Attorney General’s Office confirmed Monday afternoon that they were investigating the deadly use of force.
“Initial statements indicate an Enforcement Removal Operations Officer was conducting an enforcement operation related to a final order of removal when the subject attempted to flee in a vehicle in the direction of the officer and was fatally shot,” the office said in a statement.
The Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition identified the victim as a 26-year-old man from Colombia. Mufalo Chitam, the group’s executive director, told CNN that the man was on his way to work. The group said the man was authorized to work in the US and was issued a social security number.
Federal officials have not confirmed any of those details about the victim.
The vehicle was registered to a Jhonathan Ramires of Pool Street in Biddeford. ABC News spoke with someone who said they saw the person who was shot fixing his brakes in the parking lot at that address.
It is not clear if Ramires was the person who was shot.
The Colombian Embassy shared a statement on Monday afternoon.
“The Embassy of Colombia in the United States, through its Consular Section, is in contact with the relevant U.S. authorities and with representatives of community organisations [sic] assisting in the case. Consular officials are working to formally confirm the individual’s identity and nationality and to determine the appropriate procedures in accordance with applicable legal and consular protocols.”
The area was closed Monday morning after the shooting at about 8: a.m. Police confirmed the closure to Maine’s Total Coverage at 8:15 a.m.
A Maine’s Total Coverage crew saw Maine State Police and the FBI at the scene along with the Biddeford Police Crime Scene Unit.
Numerous crime scene markers could also be seen on the pavement in the road as well as two large canopies in the roadway.
Video from a nearby doorbell camera that was shared with CNN captures the sound of what appears to be at least four gunshots.
Video obtained by ABC News and shared with Maine’s Total Coverage showed first responders giving medical aid to a person who was on their back in the street in the middle of the intersection next to a white sedan. People wearing U.S. Border Patrol vests can be seen standing next to them.
The video also showed a law enforcement vehicle in contact with the passenger side of the white sedan. Maine’s Total Coverage has chosen to freeze that video before the body is visible.
King said he did not believe any of the agents involved were wearing body cameras at the time.
“Different facts may come out, but apparently there are no cameras involved. Body cameras were not on the agents, and, so we have no video, evidence of what occurred in this case,” he said.
Biddeford Police Chief JoAnn Fisk told Maine’s Total Coverage that this was not her department’s investigation and that her department was only investigating. She said all information will come from the FBI and Office of the Attorney General.
The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have not responded to multiple requests for comment from ABC News or Maine’s Total Coverage. The Maine Attorney General’s Office said information would be released when appropriate.
Statement from Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau
Ryan Fecteau, who is the Maine Speaker of the House, shared on Monday morning that a shooting had happened.
“A person was killed. ICE was involved. State Police and the Department of Public Safety are now on scene to gather details and would expect the FBI to investigate as well. These are the details that I have at this time. I will provide further updates, as they are relayed to me.”
A neighbor told Maine’s Total Coverage that she was awoken at about 8 a.m. by the sound of gunshots and then noticed a lot of law enforcement.
It was not clear how ICE may have been involved, who may have been shot or who actually fired shots.
Reaction to the shooting
Troy Jackson, who is running for U.S. Senate, posted “I’ve been alerted to the fatal ICE shooting in Biddeford this morning. Our team is monitoring this situation very closely and will provided updates as we learn more. My heart is with Biddeford – and with all Mainers.” He also said he would be speaking at a rally at noon in Mechanics Park in Biddeford.
Project Relief, an immigrant rights advocacy group, shared a statement Monday morning.
“We are heartbroken to share that one of our community members was killed this morning during an encounter with ICE in Biddeford. We are in contact with the family and are committed to supporting them during this unimaginable time. This was a young person whose life was cut short, and our community must come together to stand with their loved ones and ensure they are not alone. They must get justice. We will continue to share updates as we learn more, along with ways you can show your solidarity and support the family and the community.”
