Federal and state authorities launch investigations after a person was killed during an operation involving immigration agents in Biddeford

A person was killed on Monday in a shooting involving United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Biddeford, Maine, prompting investigations by state and federal authorities and renewed scrutiny of immigration enforcement operations.

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The Maine ICE shooting was confirmed by Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, who said the incident would be investigated by the Maine State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“This morning a shooting occurred in Biddeford. A person was killed. ICE was involved,” Fecteau wrote on Facebook.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, had not issued an official statement on the shooting at the time of reporting.

Maine Governor Janet Mills said she had been briefed on the fatal incident and confirmed that state authorities were working alongside federal law enforcement officers to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“I have been briefed on the fatal shooting in Biddeford this morning involving Federal law enforcement,” Mills said in a statement, adding that state officials were cooperating with federal agencies as the investigation continues.

An eyewitness, Lucas Scott, told local media he heard at least four gunshots after seeing several ICE agents surrounding a white sedan shortly before the shooting.

Television footage from the scene showed a residential street sealed off by police, with crime scene investigators working near a red forensic tent.

The incident also prompted demonstrations, with anti-ICE protesters gathering near the scene and planning a rally later on Monday.

Reacting to the shooting, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, who represents parts of Maine, expressed concern over the incident and extended sympathy to the victim’s relatives.

“I am deeply disturbed and angry. My sympathy to the individual and their family, and to the entire community of Biddeford, and for all of us in Maine, we will be mourning yet another victim,” Pingree said.

The fatal shooting comes less than a week after an ICE agent shot and killed a Mexican national during an immigration enforcement operation in Houston, Texas, an incident that also attracted widespread criticism.

ICE has been at the centre of heightened public debate as it carries out immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s expanded deportation policies.

The agency has faced criticism from civil rights advocates and community groups over its operational tactics, while federal officials have maintained that enforcement actions are necessary to implement immigration laws and protect public safety.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the person killed in Biddeford or disclosed additional details about the circumstances that led to the shooting.