(The Epoch Times)—Border czar Tom Homan said on Sunday that authorities are reviewing Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE’s) vetting process following allegations that the officer who shot an illegal immigrant in Maine had a history of violent behavior.
The July 13 incident in Biddeford, Maine, occurred when an illegal immigrant tried to flee in his vehicle during a traffic stop. An ICE officer then opened fire at the car and hit the driver. The Colombian national later died from his injuries.
In an interview with CNN’s State of the Union, Homan was asked about reports that the officer’s relatives have alleged he had a history of domestic violence and mental health issues.
Homan said the ICE officer should not have passed vetting if the claims against him are true.
Homan said the administration is reviewing the agency’s vetting process to determine whether there have been any failures.
“When they hire somebody, they put them through a vetting process and look at all that stuff. So I know, based on that information, that’s part of the ongoing investigation,” he said.
“Did the vetting process fail? Was that information not available? Did they not know?” he said. “So there’s a separate administrative investigation on what happened here.”
The Homeland Security Department said the officer, whose identity has not been disclosed by the agency, opened fire out of concerns for public safety.
This news report will be updated with additional details.
