Two individuals were shot by federal agents in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday during a vehicle stop that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as a defensive action by an agent. The incident, which left both individuals hospitalized with gunshot wounds, has prompted investigations by the FBI and the Oregon Attorney General's office. Local and state officials have expressed skepticism regarding the federal account, called for a suspension of federal immigration operations in the city, and demanded transparency. The shooting occurred one day after a separate fatal shooting involving a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis.
Incident Details
On Thursday afternoon, at approximately 2:18 p.m. to 2:19 p.m. local time, federal agents with Customs and Border Patrol stopped a vehicle in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood. According to DHS, agents were searching for a Venezuelan individual believed to be in the country illegally and a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that after agents identified themselves, the driver "weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents," prompting an agent to fire a defensive shot. No agents were reported injured.
The driver and a passenger then fled the scene. Approximately six minutes later, Portland police responded to a 911 call about three miles away. Officers located a man and a woman with apparent gunshot wounds who were then transported to a hospital. Emergency dispatch audio indicated the male reported being shot twice in the arm and the female in the chest. Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed these two individuals were the same ones injured in the shooting involving federal agents. Their conditions were not officially released, though one source indicated they were in stable condition.
Individuals Involved
Federal authorities identified the driver as Luis David Nico Moncada (also referred to as Nino-Moncada) and the passenger as Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras. DHS described both as "criminal illegal aliens from Venezuela" and stated they are associated with the Tren de Aragua gang.
DHS further stated:
- Mr. Nico Moncada is a "suspected Tren de Aragua gang member" who illegally entered the U.S. in 2022, was released into the country, and holds a final order of removal.
- Ms. Zambrano-Contreras reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 near El Paso, Texas, and was also released. DHS linked her to a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and a prior shooting in Portland.
A senior law enforcement source indicated the two individuals are a married couple. Upon release from the hospital, they are expected to be taken into custody by the FBI. Portland Police Chief Bob Day noted that in July, a Venezuelan immigrant victim identified suspects in a separate incident as associated with Tren de Aragua; however, the individuals shot on Thursday are associated with the gang but are not currently suspects in that July incident. They are also reportedly involved in criminal cases in Washington County, Oregon.
Investigations Underway
Multiple agencies have launched investigations into the shooting:
- Federal Investigation: The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Federal authorities are investigating the incident as an alleged assault on federal officers. Portland police are providing minimal investigative and perimeter support. Chief Day stated that at the time of his initial statement, local authorities had not confirmed which federal agency was involved or the exact cause, and he could not comment on the DHS statement.
- State Investigation: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that his office will initiate its own investigation. This inquiry will examine whether any federal officer acted outside the scope of lawful authority, including witness interviews, video evidence, and other relevant materials, with potential referral to the Multnomah County District Attorney. The extent of cooperation from federal authorities with the state investigation remains unclear.
Reactions and Calls for Action
The incident has drawn significant reactions from local and state elected officials:
- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek requested a "full, completed" investigation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability from the federal government. She attributed the incident to the "Trump administration's agenda."
- Portland Mayor Keith Wilson expressed skepticism regarding the federal government's account, stating, "We know what the federal government says happened here. There was a time when we could take them at our word. That time has long passed." He called for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to suspend all operations in Portland pending a comprehensive investigation, adding that Portland should not be a "training ground for militarized agents."
- Democratic Representative Maxine Dexter supported calls for ICE to halt operations in the city and advocated for a local police investigation.
- Oregon State Senator Kayse Jama urged ICE agents to leave the community.
- Multnomah County, which encompasses part of Portland, voted to extend an emergency declaration initially issued in December in response to federal immigration enforcement impacts. County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson stated, "Multnomah County will not stand by as federal governments attack our neighbors."
- Portland Police Chief Bob Day and Senator Jeff Merkley appealed for calm amidst potential protests.
Broader Context and Related Events
The Portland shooting occurred one day after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, an incident that also generated national protests and local condemnation. In the Minneapolis case, DHS also alleged Good "weaponized her vehicle." The FBI has taken control of the investigation into the Minneapolis shooting, leading to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) having its access to case materials, witnesses, and evidence revoked. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the BCA was not excluded from the investigation, citing jurisdiction as the reason for the FBI's lead. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz emphasized the state's need to be involved in the investigation. The Trump administration justified the Minneapolis shooting by alleging Good engaged in "an act of domestic terrorism" and claiming the ICE agent acted in "self-defense," a narrative that contrasts with witness video of the incident showing the driver turning her vehicle away from the agent before being shot.
Following the Portland shooting, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the ICE facility in downtown Portland, with police issuing warnings to stay off roadways. Later, approximately one hundred protesters gathered outside city hall, and a smaller group returned to the ICE facility in south Portland. Police subsequently cleared protesters from the street outside the facility, resulting in six arrests and minor injuries to a couple of officers. Portland Police Chief Bob Day expressed hope for peaceful protests.