FBI not conducting civil rights investigation into ICE shooting in Maine despite questions about use of force, sources say
Updated on: August 4, 2026 / 5:16 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The FBI is reportedly not investigating the civil rights aspects of a July shooting death by an ICE officer in Biddeford, Maine.
- DHS states the agent fired his weapon out of fear for public safety after the individual allegedly attempted to flee in his vehicle.
- Legal experts believe the FBI typically leads investigations into potential civil rights violations by federal agents, especially in high-profile cases.
- The DHS Office of the Inspector General and the Maine attorney general's office are currently leading the investigation into the shooting.
- Sources suggest ICE officers were not wearing body cameras at the time of the incident, though ICE has since mandated their use during vehicle stops.
- Concerns have been raised that the FBI's absence from the investigation may result in a less comprehensive and independent review.