On July 15, 2026, House Democrats urged Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to initiate an independent investigation into two recent deaths related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Sylvia Garcia, Chellie Pingree, Jamie Raskin, and Bennie Thompson led the call for an investigation into the deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Guerrero, requesting that the investigation proceed without interference and that ICE suspend removal proceedings against witnesses.
In a letter, nearly 200 lawmakers emphasized the need for investigators to access witness testimonies and assured that witnesses should not face threats of retaliation or deportation. The letter stated, "Far too many people, Americans and non-citizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability in independent investigations."
Guerrero was fatally shot by ICE during an operation in Maine, where he was identified as a Colombian national who had previously received a work permit. The Department of Homeland Security reported that Guerrero was not the target of the operation but was shot when he attempted to flee. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also called for an investigation, questioning the circumstances surrounding Guerrero's death.
Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican national, was shot by ICE during a traffic stop, with DHS stating that he allegedly attempted to ram officers with his vehicle. Democrats have expressed skepticism about the official narratives surrounding these incidents, referencing previous cases where similar claims were contradicted by video evidence.