Thirty-nine senators are demanding immediate answers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement after two deadly shootings raised serious questions about how the agency vets officers and conducts enforcement operations on American streets.

Agent’s Violent History Exposed

The officer who killed a man from Colombia in Maine had documented patterns of domestic violence spanning years, according to family court records obtained by The Associated Press. His first wife reported he threw boiling water at her while she held their child. His second wife described persistent abuse, intimidation, and escalating aggression throughout their marriage. Court documents show he physically attacked his teenage daughter on multiple occasions, including tackling her and smashing spaghetti in her hair.

The second wife wrote in 2021 court filings requesting protection that the agent needed counseling for depression, and a judge granted her temporary protective order. Multiple family members told reporters the government never should have given him a badge and gun to patrol American streets.

Body Cameras and Accountability Demanded

Maine Independent Senator Angus King spearheaded a letter signed by 38 Democratic senators calling for immediate reforms at ICE. The senators demanded body cameras for all officers and clear identification on uniforms showing they represent ICE rather than generic law enforcement. Civil rights groups have long criticized deportation officers for wearing vests marked only as police, creating confusion about which agency citizens encounter during enforcement actions.

The letter also questioned whether ICE considers family court records showing domestic violence when hiring new agents. Senators asked what changes are being made to vehicle pursuit policies after both fatal shootings involved officers firing at people inside cars. The victims in Texas and Maine were not dangerous convicted criminals, making the deaths particularly troubling, according to the letter.

Administration Reverses Course on Safety Pause

The Department of Homeland Security briefly halted vehicle stops by ICE officers following the Maine shooting, limiting such actions to specific situations. However, the administration reversed this safety measure just one day later after facing criticism from supporters. The incident highlights tensions between enforcement priorities and public safety concerns as deportation operations expand. The senators emphasized that removing criminals from communities must be achieved without endangering those same neighborhoods in the process.