A recent incident in Portland, Oregon, has raised significant concerns surrounding immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal authorities. A Border Patrol agent shot two individuals during a traffic stop, after authorities indicated they were associated with a notorious Venezuelan gang. This event adds to a series of confrontational incidents involving federal agents, generating frustration among the American public regarding immigration policies during the Trump administration.
On Thursday afternoon, the shooting occurred as Border Patrol agents executed a vehicle stop on two Venezuelan migrants linked to the Tren de Aragua gang. According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the situation escalated when the driver allegedly attempted to use the vehicle as a weapon against law enforcement officers. In response, the agent fired a shot in self-defense. The driver fled the scene with a passenger, prompting a swift response from local police.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day reported that officers arrived at the scene shortly after 2:15 p.m. local time, following reports of a shooting. Minutes later, they received another call regarding a man seeking help after being shot. Both the driver and the passenger were transported to a local hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, labeling the incident “an assault on federal officers.” Additionally, Oregon’s attorney general has launched a separate investigation into the shooting.
The individuals shot during the incident have been identified as Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, both Venezuelan migrants who allegedly entered the United States illegally. DHS described Nino-Moncada as a criminal illegal alien and a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang, while Zambrano-Contreras is also noted to have ties to the gang and is accused of involvement in a prostitution ring. Reports indicate that Nino-Moncada entered the U.S. in 2022 and Zambrano-Contreras in 2023, both of whom were reportedly released into the country by the Biden administration.
Following the incident, questions have arisen regarding the individuals' criminal activities and their connection to previous violent incidents in Portland. Although it was initially reported that the pair were married, DHS later clarified that they are not. There are indications that both individuals are involved in ongoing criminal cases in Washington County, Oregon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting the FBI in its investigation. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has announced a parallel investigation to determine if any federal officer acted outside of their lawful authority during the incident. Rayfield emphasized the need for transparency regarding the use of force by federal agents, both locally and nationally.
The investigation will involve witness interviews, analysis of video evidence, and other relevant materials. Depending on the findings, the case may be referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney for possible prosecution. It remains unclear whether federal authorities will cooperate with the state’s investigation.
The shooting has sparked backlash from local politicians and community members. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to cease operations in the city, expressing skepticism about the federal government’s narrative surrounding the incident. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek echoed these sentiments, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability from federal agents.
State Senator Kayse Jama also voiced strong opposition to ICE's presence in the community, reflecting a broader sentiment against federal immigration enforcement. Prior to the shooting, Multnomah County's Board of Commissioners had extended an emergency declaration in response to the impacts of federal immigration enforcement.
On the night of the shooting, protests erupted at a local ICE facility, resulting in several arrests and minor injuries to police officers. Chief Day acknowledged the heightened energy of the protests but expressed hope for a peaceful resolution over the weekend.
The incident involving the Border Patrol agent in Portland underscores ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal authorities. As investigations unfold, community leaders and citizens alike are demanding accountability and transparency in the actions of law enforcement. This developing story will continue to be monitored closely as further details come to light.