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In Response to Bombshell NYT Report, Pingree Slams ICE for Sending Agent Into Maine Communities Armed and Unvetted

The New York Times investigation reveals new disturbing details of David Brouillette’s history and the revelation that ICE hadn’t reviewed his background check at the time he shot and killed Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero.

Washington, November 11, 2026
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement in response to a New York Times investigation revealing that ICE armed and deployed David Brouillette before reviewing his background check findings:
 
ICE handed David Brouillette a gun and sent him into Maine communities before anyone at the agency had reviewed his background check. The agency restricted his access to certain computer systems because he had not been fully cleared, yet apparently saw no problem trusting him with the power to take someone’s life. That is an unconscionable betrayal of the public’s trust.

Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero should be alive today. He was a young father, building a life for his family in Maine. He was following a lawful immigration process. His family will live with his loss forever. They deserve to know every decision that put Brouillette on the streets with a badge and a gun and deserve accountability for their tragic loss.

Journalists had already uncovered deeply disturbing allegations of violence and abuse against Brouillette. The Times now reveals further warning signs, including vile, racist comments about his own sister’s longtime Colombian partner. His own mother told the Times her son was dangerous and shouldn't have weapons. A thorough review could have brought these serious warning signs to light before ICE sent him out to carry out Stephen Miller’s aggressive immigration crackdown. The danger was foreseeable. Johan Sebastián’s death was preventable. 

Who authorized his deployment? What would a thorough review have revealed? An agency whistleblower has already warned the DHS Inspector General of an "unprecedented lowering of standards.” How many other agents are carrying guns in our communities without completed vetting?

I have demanded answers from DHS about training and background checks in the days following Johan Sebastián’s death. This reporting makes a full, independent investigation even more urgent. DHS must release Brouillette’s hiring, vetting, training, and deployment records and cooperate fully with independent investigators.

ICE must be abolished and that is what I will continue to fight for. But perfect can’t get in the way of better. Until we can abolish ICE, this agency needs serious, immediate reforms. I am working on legislation to ensure federal agents are never armed and deployed into our streets without being fully vetted. Our communities’ safety cannot depend on whether this administration finds basic safeguards convenient.

Responsibility reaches beyond the officer who pulled the trigger. It extends to the leadership that armed and deployed him, and to an administration that put its deportation agenda ahead of human life. Every official responsible must be held accountable. Johan Sebastián’s family deserves justice, and I will keep fighting until they get it.

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