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August 11, 2026

MONDAY: Democrats to Hold Field Hearing in Biddeford on Tragic Killing of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero by ICE

MEDIA CONTACT
Gabrielle Mannino (Pingree) 207-509-5904

Ranking Member Thompson

(WASHINGTON) – On Monday, August 17, Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), and other Democratic Members of Congress will host a Democratic shadow hearing in Biddeford, Maine on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) use of force and abuse of power after the tragic killing of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero by ICE on July 13 in Biddeford. At the forum, entitled “Seeking Justice in Biddeford: Oversight of ICE’s Use of Force in the Death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero," members of Congress will hear from representatives for the Durán Guerrero family, local officials, community advocates, and others who can speak to the state of the investigation and the impact ICE’s operations have had on Maine. Members and witnesses will hold a press conference immediately following the hearing.

DETAILS:

WHO:

  • Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
  • Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security
  • Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), Democratic Whip
  • Other Members of Congress

WHAT: “Seeking Justice in Biddeford: Oversight of ICE’s Use of Force in the Death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero”

WHEN: Monday, August 17, 2026 at 11 am ET

WHERE: Biddeford High School - Little Theater, 18 Maplewood Ave., Biddeford, Maine 04005

WITNESSES:

  • Liam LaFountain, Mayor of Biddeford
  • Ben Gideon, legal representation for the Durán Guerrero family
  • Sue Roche, Executive Director of Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP)
  • Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC)
  • Others to be announced

MEDIA RSVP: Space is limited and an RSVP is required for credentialed media. To RSVP, please fill out this form. Media should arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. EST. RSVP requests will be accommodated as space permits.

This event is open to the public. The hearing will also be livestreamed on Rep. Pingree’s YouTube channel.

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