Person Killed During ICE Operation in Maine
A person was shot and killed during an ICE operation in Biddeford, Maine, according to Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau. State Police and the Department of Public Safety responded to the scene. The FBI is expected to investigate.
Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau confirmed the shooting in a public statement: "This morning a shooting occurred in Biddeford. A person was killed. ICE was involved. State Police and the Department of Public Safety are now on scene to gather details and would expect the FBI to investigate as well." Local police confirmed the area was closed and that a significant law enforcement presence was on the ground.
What We Know About ICE Activity in Maine
ICE launched a large-scale enforcement operation in Maine called "Operation Catch of the Day" on July 9, 2026. The operation targeted approximately 1,400 individuals and resulted in at least 50 arrests. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the operation was underway. The fatal shooting in Biddeford occurred during this broader enforcement campaign, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Deportation Defense Checklist — Free
Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
This incident comes amid a documented pattern of force during immigration enforcement. A report by Physicians for Human Rights and UC Berkeley's Human Rights Center found that law enforcement officers misused crowd-control weapons in 412 verified incidents across 16 US cities between June 2025 and May 2026, resulting in at least 203 injuries. Researchers linked the sharpest spikes to cities where former border patrol commander Greg Bovino oversaw operations.
What to Do If ICE Comes to Your Door
- Do not open the door unless ICE shows a signed judicial warrant — an administrative ICE warrant alone does not give agents the right to enter your home.
- Stay calm and say clearly: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and my right to speak with an attorney." Do not answer questions about your immigration status.
- Contact an immigration lawyer immediately if you or a family member is detained. Many nonprofit legal organizations offer emergency help.
- Write down badge numbers, agency names, and everything that happens during the encounter — this information matters if you need to file a complaint or go to immigration court.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
When ICE comes to your home, you have the right to remain silent and the right to refuse entry without a judicial warrant signed by a judge — not just an ICE administrative warrant. If you are detained, invoke your right to counsel immediately and do not answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country. Given the active enforcement climate in Maine right now, anyone with an open immigration case or a prior removal order should consult an immigration attorney before a crisis occurs, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE enter my home without a warrant?
No. ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An administrative ICE warrant — the kind ICE agents typically carry — does not give them the legal right to come inside. You can ask to see the warrant through a closed door. If it is not signed by a judge, you do not have to open the door.
What happens if I am arrested during an ICE operation?
You will likely be taken to an ICE detention facility and placed in removal proceedings — the formal process where a judge decides whether you can stay in the US or must leave. You have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and the right to hire an attorney, though the government will not provide one for free in immigration cases.
Can ICE shoot someone during an arrest operation?
ICE agents are law enforcement officers and are authorized to use force under certain circumstances, but any use of deadly force is subject to federal policy and investigation. When a death occurs during an ICE operation, agencies like the FBI and State Police typically investigate to determine whether the use of force was lawful.
What should I do if I witness an ICE arrest in my neighborhood?
You can record from a safe distance — you have the right to film law enforcement in public. Write down what you saw, including badge numbers and vehicle descriptions. Share the information with a local immigrant rights organization or legal aid group. Do not physically interfere with an arrest, as that can lead to criminal charges.