Senators Seek ICE Vetting Details After Shootings in Maine and Houston

Thirty-eight Democratic U.S. senators and Maine Independent Sen. Angus King sent a letter Monday to the Department of Homeland Security demanding information on Immigration and Customs Enforcement hiring practices, vehicle-pursuit policies and the immediate rollout of body cameras.

The Independent reported that the letter followed two fatal shootings in which ICE officers killed immigrants, one in Houston and one in Biddeford, Maine, on or before July 13. Both incidents involved officers firing at people inside vehicles. The Maine shooting was carried out by officer David Brouillette, who had a documented history of violent behavior toward family members, according to family court records cited by The Independent.

His first ex-wife, Ashley Brouillette, told the Associated Press that he threw boiling water at her while she held their child. His second ex-wife, Lucinda Brouillette, described in court filings a pattern that included stalking, physical abuse of their daughter and smashing spaghetti in the girl’s hair.

The senators’ letter asked whether ICE reviews family-court records of domestic violence when screening recruits.

It also called for officers to wear uniforms or vests that clearly identify them as ICE rather than generic police markings. In the wake of the Maine shooting, the Department of Homeland Security temporarily restricted vehicle stops except in limited circumstances. One day later, President Donald Trump posted on social media that traffic stops should continue.

Last week the department announced expanded training in crowd control, high-risk vehicle stops, live-fire exercises and medical response. The letter stated that the American people deserve clarity and accountability while supporting the removal of dangerous convicted criminals from communities.