By Maribel Velazquez
The agent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) who shot and killed the Colombian Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero25 years old, in Mainehad a history of troubling behavior and accusations of family violence, according to family testimony and court documents obtained by AP.
The case has generated criticism about the selection processes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)while the administration of the president donald trump promotes an expansion of operations against immigrants in the United States.
According to the investigation, the agent identified as David Brouillette37, is an Army veteran who reportedly faced problems with mental health since his youth. Close relatives indicated that he had psychiatric diagnoses and that there were episodes of aggressive behavior.
Court documents, according to the agency, show that one of her ex-partners filed requests for protective orders in which she reported alleged episodes of physical and verbal abuse against her and her daughters. In one of the writings, the woman indicated that Brouillette needed treatment for problems related to post-traumatic stress and depression.
ICE defends actions of its agent
The shooting occurred in the city of Biddeford, Mainewhen Durán Guerrero was inside his vehicle. He DHS He stated that the car tried to escape and that the agent fired when he considered that there was a risk to public safety.
“The vehicle attempted to flee the scene and, fearing for public safety, an officer fired his weapon.“said the department in a statement cited by the agency.
ICE did not officially confirm the identity of the agent involved. Spokeswoman Lauren Bis noted that the agency “will never confirm or deny attempts to reveal the identity of its law enforcement officers” and assured that the officer has experience and training in use of force.
Brouillette’s relatives told the aforementioned media that he assured them that he acted in self-defense and that he considered the shooting a justified event.
Army veteran and new career within ICE
According to military records cited by the same agency, Brouillette served in the United States Army and was deployed to Afghanistan between 2012 and 2013. After leaving the military, he worked in areas related to security, prisons and public services before joining ICE.
His family members questioned whether he could obtain a position with access to weapons and police authority due to his emotional and family background.
The investigation also indicates that at least 10 people have died in encounters with immigration agents since the start of the new deportation offensive promoted by Trump.
Keep reading:
- Death of Mexican in ICE operation sparks demand for greater transparency and accountability
- Family of immigrant who ICE killed in Houston fails to recover his body and faces attacks
- ICE agent kills Mexican immigrant for allegedly reacting violently
