Susan Collins Deflects Questions on ICE Funding After Fatal Shooting

When approached by Zeteo News, Collins dodged inquiries about whether she regretted the $70 billion appropriation she helped secure in April for ICE and Customs and Border Protection. While she justified the massive funding by citing investments in body-worn cameras and training, the agents involved in the Monday morning shooting of Guerrero were not equipped with cameras. Guerrero, who reportedly held legal status in the U.S., was fatally shot in his vehicle by agents who were seemingly searching for a different individual.

Critics are now targeting Collins for her lack of oversight. Democratic Senate candidate Nirav Shah labeled her influence in Washington as non-existent, pointing to President Trump’s recent order to continue the very vehicle stop tactics that led to the tragedy. As the Department of Justice maintains that fleeing a scene does not justify the use of lethal force, the shooting joins a series of similar incidents involving ICE agents across the country. Democratic candidate Troy Jackson joined the condemnation, accusing the senator of enabling a dangerous agenda and asserting that Maine voters will not forget her role in the agency's unchecked expansion.