BIDDEFORD, Maine — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot a 25-year-old Colombian man this week has, according to close relatives and records reviewed by The Associated Press, a long history of mental health struggles and episodes of violent behavior that his family says make him unfit to carry a federal badge and firearm.
Family accounts, records and agency response
Relatives identified the agent as 37-year-old David Brouillette, an Army veteran who they say has battled serious psychiatric issues since childhood. They allege a pattern of frightening conduct, including attacks on women in his life and threats. One relative provided the AP with a voicemail from last winter in which he told her she should have her throat slit.
“We will never confirm or deny attempts to dox our law enforcement officers,” ICE spokesperson Lauren Bis said, adding that the officer "has nearly a decade of federal law enforcement experience with required training including use of force training."
Federal authorities have not released the officer’s name in connection with the shooting. Department of Homeland Security officials said the vehicle involved "attempted to flee the scene and, fearing for public safety, an officer discharged his weapon." Brouillette did not respond to messages seeking comment. Relatives said that when they spoke to him after the shooting, he told them he acted in self-defense.
Broader context and consequences
The killing of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, 25, on Monday in Biddeford is part of a series of deadly encounters involving immigration agents since the current enforcement campaign began after the former president retook office. The AP reports at least 10 people have died in such encounters.
- Victim: Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, 25, Colombian national
- Officer identified by relatives: David Brouillette, 37, Army veteran
- Agency statement: Officer fired after vehicle allegedly attempted to flee
The episode pits relatives’ accounts and public records against an agency defense of its personnel and training. Critics and civil liberties advocates often point to mental health screening, training and oversight as central issues when federal officers are involved in deadly confrontations. The White House deflected questions to ICE.
| Data point | Figure |
|---|---|
| Deaths in encounters with immigration agents (since enforcement push) | At least 10 |
| Age of victim | 25 |
| Age of officer identified by relatives | 37 |
Locally, the killing has sparked concern in Biddeford, a coastal city where residents now face questions about how federal enforcement operations are conducted in their community. Nationally, the case may prompt renewed scrutiny of ICE hiring practices, medical and psychological vetting of agents, and the training and policies that govern use of force.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Federal authorities have not publicly released all details of the encounter; relatives and records cited by the AP provide a contrasting portrait of the officer involved that raises fresh questions about accountability and oversight within ICE.
