Former Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism after condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents involved in a fatal shooting during an attempted traffic stop in Maine, an incident authorities say unfolded after a driver allegedly tried to use his vehicle against federal officers.
In a post on X, Harris questioned the actions of ICE agents following the death of Joan Sebastian Guerrero.
“Joan Sebastian Guerrero should still be alive. This is the second time in a week that ICE agents have killed someone who—by their own admission—was not the subject of their operation,” Harris wrote.
She also highlighted that Guerrero’s three-year-old daughter reportedly witnessed the shooting.
“Now Sebastian is dead, his killing witnessed by his three-year-old daughter wearing her Bluey pajamas,” Harris wrote. “This cannot be acceptable in America.”
Harris called for “an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation,” adding that “anyone responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable.”
Joan Sebastian Guerrero should still be alive.
This is the second time in a week that ICE agents have killed someone who — by their own admission — was not the subject of their operation.
Now Sebastian is dead, his killing witnessed by his three-year-old daughter wearing her…
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 14, 2026
Her comments quickly prompted responses from critics who argued that they overlooked the circumstances described by federal authorities.
According to ICE, agents were conducting targeted surveillance at the last known address of an illegal immigrant who had a final order of removal. During the operation, officials said another illegal immigrant left the residence in a vehicle, prompting agents to attempt a traffic stop.
An ICE spokesperson told Fox News that the driver tried to flee.
“The vehicle attempted to flee the scene and fearing for public safety an officer discharged his weapon,” the spokesperson said. “The driver of the vehicle was struck, and emergency services were immediately contacted. He passed away from his injuries.”
An eyewitness offered a similar account.
Lucas Scott, an 18-year-old who witnessed the encounter, told the New York Post that the vehicle appeared to accelerate toward federal agents after it was surrounded.
“The car was put into drive and was trying to hit the ICE officer,” Scott said.
The Maine shooting came just days after another fatal confrontation involving ICE agents in Houston, Texas. In that case, ICE said officers opened fire after a suspect allegedly attempted to run over an agent with a vehicle, describing the shooting as an act of self-defense.
Following the Maine incident, CNN reported that ICE temporarily paused traffic stops while officials reviewed the situation.
President Donald Trump responded by defending the agency and urging officers to continue using traffic stops as part of immigration enforcement.
Ok. You’re responsible. Ms Border Czar, this is all a result of your refusal to enforce the laws for 4 years. Incredible. Give the nation the gift of your silence.
— Jack Robinhood (@JackRobinhood87) July 15, 2026
“The men and women of ICE are doing a GREAT job, one that has to be done,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He argued that illegal immigration had increased significantly under the previous administration and said federal authorities must continue removing individuals who are in the country illegally and have violated immigration laws.
Trump also warned against abandoning traffic stops as an enforcement tool.
“In order to do this, we must be strong, tough, and smart, and we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!” he wrote.
He concluded by encouraging ICE personnel to continue their work while acting “judicious, fair and smart.”
