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BIDDEFORD, Maine (WMTW) — Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain is renewing calls for a transparent and independent investigation into Monday’s deadly shooting involving federal immigration agents.
In a statement released late Wednesday, LaFountain said the death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero continues to weigh heavily on his family, friends and the Biddeford community.
LaFountain said he spoke with a legal representative for Guerrero’s family but is keeping the details of that conversation private at the family’s request.
“I remain committed to ensuring that the family’s needs and concerns are heard and centered as events unfold,” LaFountain said.
The mayor also said he spoke with U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree before her meeting with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. LaFountain said he emphasized that Maine law enforcement agencies should be fully involved in the investigation.
LaFountain objected to what he described as an “unacceptable lack of body-worn cameras” and called for more information about the training, supervision and accountability of the federal agents involved.
Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have formally asked the Justice Department and FBI to cooperate fully with state and local law enforcement investigating Guerrero’s death, according to the mayor. The senators also called for a thorough, fair and impartial process.
Gov. Janet Mills visited Guerrero’s memorial Wednesday and was heckled by protesters who shouted at her for not doing enough to prevent the shooting.
“Hello, ICE vigilantes were running around our neighborhood. You knew it – you saw them,” said Kelsey Cummings.
“Looking at how ICE is operating, they are not operating by the same parameters that law enforcement agents across the country operate,” a neighbor said.
Gov. Mills said she was visiting the memorial to pay her respects and later met with
LaFountain to discuss the needs of Guerrero’s family and other community members affected by the shooting. A representative for the family also participated and described the challenges they are facing.
“It was sobering,” LaFountain said.
The city continues to offer mental health support through its partnership with Sweetser. The services are available to Guerrero’s family and friends, neighbors, witnesses and other community members affected by the shooting.
LaFountain said additional community gatherings are likely and urged participants to remain vigilant, stay safe and respect local law enforcement while exercising their First Amendment rights. Since Guerrero was killed, protests have been happening almost every day in Biddeford, Augusta, Scarborough and Portland.
“This remains an extraordinarily difficult time for Biddeford,” LaFountain said. “I will continue to support the family, advocate for a complete, thorough and independent investigation, and share verified information as it becomes available.”
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