ICE agent who killed Colombian in Maine has violent history, family says
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- An ICE agent who fatally shot a Colombian man in Maine has a history of violence and psychiatric issues, according to family and records.
- The agent's ex-wife stated he was abusive and should not have carried a badge and firearm.
- ICE confirmed the agent has nearly a decade of federal law enforcement experience and received required use-of-force training.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who fatally shot 25-year-old Colombian Joan Sebastiรกn Durรกn Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, reportedly has a history of violence and psychiatric problems, according to his ex-wife and other family members. The agent, identified as David Brouillette, had allegedly been abusive during his marriage, and his ex-wife expressed disbelief that he was ever allowed to carry a badge and firearm.
Ashley Brouillette, the agent's ex-wife, told The Associated Press that she only believed he had joined ICE late last year after seeing videos of the incident. She stated that he contacted her and his 18-year-old daughter, Madison Brouillette, after the shooting, admitting to killing Durรกn Guerrero and claiming self-defense. Both Ashley and Madison confirmed speaking with him after the event.
Brouillette's alleged violent past raises further questions about the thoroughness of the Department of Homeland Security's vetting process during a period of increased hiring to manage the migrant influx. Since President Trump's return to the White House, at least 10 individuals have died in encounters with immigration agents.
An ICE spokesperson stated that the agency does not confirm or deny attempts to "dox" its law enforcement officers. The spokesperson added that the agent involved has nearly a decade of federal law enforcement experience and has undergone the required training, including use-of-force instruction. Brouillette, 37, did not respond to requests for comment. Three family members who spoke with him after the shooting reported that he maintained he acted in self-defense.
รฉl actuรณ en defensa propia.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.