An internal review is underway into how an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer with a reported history of violent behaviour and mental health struggles passed vetting before fatally shooting a Colombian immigrant in Maine last week. The probe, announced by President Donald Trump’s border adviser Tom Homan, follows revelations that the officer’s relatives disclosed his troubled past to the Associated Press.

Vetting process under scrutiny after Maine shooting

David Brouillette, an Army veteran and ICE officer, is at the centre of the investigation after relatives told AP he had exhibited violent tendencies and serious mental health issues. Homan, a former acting ICE director, told CNN on Sunday that if the allegations are true, “I don’t think he should ever have cleared vetting.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not commented on the review, which includes an assessment of ICE’s training protocols. The case has intensified concerns about the agency’s rapid hiring and deployment of thousands of officers to enforce Trump’s immigration crackdown.

DHS pauses vehicle stops before Trump reverses decision

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin initially ordered a pause on vehicle stops following the Maine shooting, but Trump swiftly overruled the move, insisting the tactic remain a key part of his deportation strategy. The reversal came amid back-to-back fatal shootings of immigrants by ICE officers in Maine and Houston.

In response, acting ICE director David Venturella issued a directive requiring at least one body camera during all vehicle stops. Homan confirmed the change, stating, “Right now, on all vehicle stops, there’s at least one body camera on site to record the entire event.”

Lawmakers demand answers on ICE tactics

Congressional Democrats pressed ICE officials during a closed-door briefing last week, leaving some with more questions than answers. Lawmakers were told of 56 complaints of excessive force against ICE officers—32 were cleared, one referred for disciplinary action, and the rest remain under investigation. No discipline has been issued to date.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who secured funding for body cameras, called it “extremely unfortunate” that the officer involved in the shooting was not wearing one. Whether the new measures will satisfy lawmakers remains unclear as DHS pursues Trump’s mass deportation goals.