On Thursday, federal Border Patrol agents in Portland, Oregon, shot and wounded two individuals during a vehicle stop. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated agents fired in self-defense after the driver allegedly attempted to run them over. Separately, on Saturday, federal agents deployed tear gas and other munitions at a large protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland. Both incidents have led to calls for federal accountability from local and state officials, with federal and state investigations now underway.
Federal Agents Shoot Two During Vehicle Stop
On Thursday, at approximately 2:18 p.m. to 2:19 p.m. local time, two individuals were shot by federal agents in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents were involved.
According to DHS, agents had stopped a vehicle while searching for a Venezuelan individual suspected of being in the country illegally and a member of the Tren de Aragua gang.
DHS stated that after agents identified themselves, the driver allegedly "weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents," prompting an agent to fire a defensive shot.
The driver then fled the scene with a passenger.
Approximately six minutes later, Portland police responded to a 911 call about three miles away and located a man and a woman with gunshot wounds. Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed these individuals were the same ones injured in the shooting involving federal agents. Both were hospitalized in stable condition. Emergency dispatch audio indicated the male was shot twice in the arm and the female in the chest. No federal agents were reported injured.
DHS identified the individuals as Luis David Nico Moncada (also referred to as Nino-Moncada) and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras. DHS described Moncada as a "criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and suspected Tren de Aragua gang member." Zambrano-Contreras was identified by DHS as a "criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and associated with Tren de Aragua," and DHS further stated she has been linked to a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and a prior shooting in Portland. A senior law enforcement source indicated the two are a married couple.
DHS reported Moncada allegedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was released with a final order of removal, while Zambrano-Contreras reportedly entered illegally in 2023 near El Paso, Texas, and was also released. Upon release from the hospital, both are expected to be taken into custody by the FBI.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day stated that his department was not involved in the initial incident and lacked information on whether the vehicle had been used as a weapon against the agents. He noted that while the individuals are associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, they are not currently suspects in a separate July shooting incident in Portland involving a Venezuelan immigrant victim. The man and woman also appear to be involved in criminal cases in Washington County, Oregon.
Investigations and Responses to the Shooting
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), treating it as an alleged assault on federal officers. Portland police are providing minimal investigative and perimeter support.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that the state will initiate its own investigation to determine whether any federal officer acted outside the scope of lawful authority. This investigation will include witness interviews, video evidence, and other relevant materials, with a potential referral to the Multnomah County District Attorney. Cooperation from federal authorities with the state investigation remains unclear.
Following the shooting, several local and state officials issued statements and calls for action:
- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek requested a "full, completed" investigation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability regarding federal immigration enforcement policies.
- Portland Mayor Keith Wilson called for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to suspend all operations in Portland pending a comprehensive investigation, stating the community deserves answers and accountability. He also expressed skepticism regarding the federal government's account of the incident.
- Democratic Representative Maxine Dexter also called for ICE to halt operations and advocated for a local police investigation.
- Oregon State Senator Kayse Jama urged ICE agents to depart the community.
- Multnomah County voted to extend an emergency declaration initially issued in December in response to federal immigration enforcement impacts.
Protests gathered outside the ICE facility in downtown Portland following the shooting. Police later cleared protesters from the street, resulting in six arrests.
Tear Gas Deployment at ICE Facility Protest
On Saturday, federal agents deployed tear gas and other munitions at a protest outside the ICE facility in Portland's South Waterfront. The event, described by organizers as a labor union solidarity march and part of broader nationwide demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement, attracted an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 people, including families and children.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud bangs, followed by arcs of smoke munitions. Some participants stated no warning was provided before the tear gas deployment, with munitions reportedly fired from both the roof and ground level of the ICE facility. Federal agents also reportedly deployed pepper balls and rubber bullets. Protest organizers and Mayor Wilson characterized the demonstration as largely peaceful.
Paramedics from the Portland Fire Bureau provided treatment at the scene. Police officers observed the crowd but did not report any arrests related to the Saturday protest.
Reactions and Proposed Actions to Tear Gas Incident
The deployment of tear gas elicited strong reactions from local officials:
- Portland Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the use of tear gas at the protest. He called for ICE employees to resign and for the facility's controllers to depart the city. The Mayor announced plans for Portland to implement a fee on detention facilities that utilize chemical agents.
Mayor Wilson asserted that the federal government "must, and will, be held accountable."
- City Councilor Mitch Green stated the city council is developing additional legislation, including potential bans on masking for ICE agents and the use of tear gas. He encouraged constituents to report their experiences for potential legal action.
Following the incident, President Trump stated on social media that local law enforcement agencies are responsible for policing protests in their cities. He also indicated he had directed the Homeland Security Secretary to ensure federal agents remain vigilant in safeguarding U.S. government facilities, emphasizing forceful protection against certain actions by protesters.
Broader Context and Related Events
These incidents in Portland occurred a day after a federal immigration officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. DHS alleged Good "weaponized her vehicle," while witness video reportedly shows the driver turning her vehicle away from the agent before being shot. The FBI is leading the investigation into the Minneapolis shooting, which has led to disputes over the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's access to case materials.
Portland has a history of protests against federal immigration operations. In Eugene, Oregon, federal agents also deployed tear gas on Friday following an incident where protesters reportedly broke windows and sought to enter the Federal Building downtown, leading city police to declare the gathering a riot. President Trump had previously indicated that while National Guard troops had been pulled from Portland, they could return.