VIDEO | Vigil calls for action, reflection and healing

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

More than 250 people gathered early Monday evening in Biddeford’s Mechanics Park for a vigil to honor the memory of a 26-year-old man who was shot and killed earlier in the day by agents from the U.S. Customs & Immigration Enforcement Agency (ICE).

Although there were some tense moments as anti-ICE protestors verbally clashed with ICE supporters who were carrying large flags in support of President Donald Trump, police reported no violent incidents or arrests as darkness settled in and the large crowd began to disperse.

Several political leaders attended the vigil ceremony that was largely comprised of residents and others who are opposed to ICE enforcement actions.

State Rep. Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) serves as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.

Fecteau was reportedly traveling in Canada when he heard the news of the shooting earlier today. He said it was “imperative” to return to his hometown and offer his support to those who were mourning the shooting death of Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian native.

According to U.S. Senator Angus King’s office, Guerrero was not the subject of the ICE warrant.

Although he has been roundly criticized on social media for “exploiting the tragedy for political gain,” Fecteau told the Gazette that Monday’s incident was about much more than political messaging.

“This is my community,” Fecteau said. “I could not imagine not being here,” Fecteau said. “This is mourning. This is grief. This is a community that is angry and looking for answers”

Hannah Pingree, the Democratic nominee for the Blaine House, echoed Fecteau’s sentiments.

“We’re showing up for our communities,” Pingree said. “It’s up to our political leaders to fix this. Maine is a safe state, and we don’t want this violence in our communities.”