Fatal ICE Traffic-Stop Shootings Prompt Congressional Outcry

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson rejected accusations of racial profiling, calling them “disgusting, reckless, and categorically FALSE” and asserting that “what makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S. — NOT their skin color, race, or ethnicity.” ICE said it is “always evaluating our procedures to keep our officers safe and criminals off our streets,” while declining to disclose tactical details. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that the department agreed to cease “all non-urgent vehicle stops” after the Biddeford shooting, a move welcomed by several lawmakers.

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Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus called for ICE’s abolition, with Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) describing the agency as “targeting, profiling, [and] stalking Latinos across the country.” Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) labeled the leadership failure a “rampage, a killing spree.” Rep. Seth Magaziner (R-RI) demanded an end to the “madness,” noting that Secretary Mullin had pledged to keep DHS off the front page. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) said she is “fully in the camp of abolish ICE.”

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In response to the shootings, ICE reportedly halted traffic stops temporarily, though the agency did not confirm the scope of the change. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) praised the shift as “a signal that they may finally be listening,” while urging clarification of the new approach. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned whether the Guerrero shooting would survive legal scrutiny, emphasizing the lack of evidence that officers feared for their safety.

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• “This is a failure of leadership to allow ICE to continue to go on a rampage, a killing spree,” — Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-NY

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• “This is an agency that is targeting, that is profiling, that is stalking Latinos across the country,” — Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-TX

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• “allegations that DHS law enforcement engages in ‘racial profiling’ are disgusting, reckless, and categorically FALSE.” — DHS spokesperson

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• “The bottom line is you have to either fear for your own safety or the safety of others. And so far, we haven’t seen evidence of that,” — Sen. Angus King, I-ME

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• “fully in the camp of abolish ICE.” — Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-ME

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