WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, confirmed on Sunday, July 26th, 2026, that the vetting of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer involved in the deadly shooting of a Colombian native in Maine is under internal review. Relatives of the officer, Army veteran David Brouillette, revealed to The Associated Press that he had a history of serious mental health struggles and violent behavior.

Homan stated on CNN that if these allegations are true, "I don’t think he should ever have cleared vetting." He added, "There’s several things under review," including the officer's training and the vetting process, which is being examined by the internal affairs section.

The incident has intensified questions about the Department of Homeland Security’s rapid hiring, training, and deployment of thousands of new ICE officers to enforce President Trump’s immigration policies. Following the fatal shooting in Maine, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin ordered a pause in vehicle stops, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, insisting that such stops are essential to his immigration enforcement strategy.

Homan also noted that "changes have been made," with acting ICE director David Venturella issuing a new directive requiring body-worn cameras during vehicle stops. Meanwhile, Democrats raised concerns during a closed-door briefing for the House Homeland Security Committee, where lawmakers were informed of 56 complaints of excessive force against ICE officers; 32 were cleared, and one was referred for disciplinary action.

Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the internal review.

Sources