Federal Agents Shoot Two in Portland; Investigation Underway
Two individuals were shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Portland, Oregon, leading to federal and state investigations into the incident.
On January 8, 2026, U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and wounded two individuals in Portland, Oregon. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the Adventist Health facility in East Portland. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the individuals as Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, both Venezuelan nationals. DHS alleges they are undocumented immigrants with suspected ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
According to DHS, the shooting transpired when Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Nico Moncada. The agency claims that upon identification, the driver "weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents," prompting an agent to fire a defensive shot.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day reported that both individuals sustained injuries—Nico Moncada was shot in the arm, and Zambrano-Contreras in the chest. Both underwent surgery and are in stable condition.
The incident has sparked significant public outcry and protests in Portland. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced a formal investigation to determine whether any federal officer acted outside the scope of their lawful authority. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also conducting a concurrent investigation.
This shooting follows a similar incident in Minneapolis, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. Both events have intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement practices and have led to nationwide protests.
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