Maine Attorney General Signs U Visa Certification for Family After Fatal ICE Shooting

The Boston Globe reported that Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey personally signed a U visa law-enforcement certification this week for the family of a man killed by an ICE officer in Biddeford. The document identifies the man’s young child as a victim and records that the surviving parent provided information to investigators, according to the Globe, which reviewed the certification. It lists murder and manslaughter as the criminal statutes under investigation. The newspaper reported that the surviving parent met with a state detective and an attorney, shared information and agreed to remain available. The Maine Attorney General’s Office declined to comment.

The family’s attorney told the Globe that the surviving parent had cooperated fully with the state investigation and that Frey approved and signed the document. A July 13 public notice from the attorney general’s office confirms that the office is investigating a fatal use of force involving federal law enforcement in Biddeford. The notice does not discuss the certification or identify a possible criminal charge. It says local, state and federal authorities are assisting with the investigation.

USCIS instructions describe Supplement B as a certification that a person submitting Form I-918 was a victim of qualifying criminal activity and was, is or is likely to be helpful in its investigation or prosecution. The instructions also address when certain family members may be treated as victims after a direct victim dies from murder or manslaughter. A certifying agency has discretion over whether to complete the form. The signed certification must accompany the petition, but it does not grant U nonimmigrant status or decide eligibility. USCIS makes that decision after reviewing the petition and supporting evidence. Because the certification itself is not public, details about its contents depend on the Globe’s review.