Who Was Joan Sebastian Guerrero? Colombian Migrant Shot and Killed by ICE Agents While Trying to Flee During Traffic Stop in Maine, Identified

Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian migrant, has been identified as the man who was fatally shot by ICE agents during an operation in Maine. Disturbing video captured the aftermath of the encounter, showing ICE agents handcuffing Guerrero as he lay on the ground after being shot during a confrontation.

In a statement, ICE described Guerrero as an “illegal alien” and said he tried to flee during a traffic stop before a federal agent opened fire. Agents were in the area conducting targeted surveillance at the last known address of a person they said was in the U.S. illegally and subject to a final order of removal, according to ICE.

Tried to Flee During Traffic Stop

“The vehicle attempted to flee the scene and, fearing for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon,” DHS said in a statement, adding, “The driver of the vehicle was struck, and emergency services were immediately contacted. He passed away from his injuries.”

Hours after the shooting, Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin initially told him the man who was shot was the subject of a warrant, according to CNN.

King later said Mullin clarified that information, telling him there was, in fact, no warrant for the man, the outlet reported.

Graphic videos shared on social media showed the wounded man lying beside his vehicle after the shooting. A bullet hole could be seen in the driver’s side of the windshield, according to the Portland Press Herald.

Lucas Scott, 18, who witnessed the incident, said officers wearing green vests surrounded the vehicle with their weapons drawn as the driver appeared to move the car toward them.

“The car was put into drive and was trying to hit the ICE officer,” Scott said, adding that an agent responded by firing about four shots.

“I just heard the popping, but I did see him draw his gun,” Scott recalled.

Footage captured by a nearby Ring camera recorded the sound of five or six gunshots around the same time.

Migrant Was Allowed to Work in US

The driver was legally authorized to work in the United States and had been issued a Social Security number, according to Presente! Maine, a Portland-based immigrant advocacy organization.

In a joint statement with the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, the groups mourned Guerrero’s death. “He was a member of our community, a neighbor, and a human being whose life was cut tragically short,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and everyone now grieving this unimaginable loss.”

Residents of Biddeford said they had noticed a surge in ICE activity in the area in recent weeks. “They chased down a bunch of guys working on a roof down the street a week or two ago. They all ran. I saw one guy jump off the roof to get away. They left all their equipment on top of the roof,” local resident Larry Humiston told the Portland Press Herald.

The Biddeford Police Department confirmed that the shooting involved ICE personnel and said officers responded to reports of the incident. Police added that their current role is limited to securing the scene.

Crowds gathered near the scene of Monday’s shooting, with several people holding signs protesting ICE.

The incident also drew sharp criticism from Maine officials. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows vowed to remain firm in her stance toward federal immigration authorities following the fatal shooting.