Two individuals shot by federal immigration officers in Portland, Oregon, during a Thursday traffic stop had alleged connections to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, according to law enforcement statements. Police Chief Bob Day confirmed both suspects possessed gang involvement, though specifics remained undisclosed at a Friday press briefing.
The incident occurred when agents stopped a vehicle. Federal officials stated the driver attempted to strike an agent with the car, prompting defensive fire. The pair subsequently fled approximately five miles to an apartment complex where they contacted emergency services for medical assistance.
Immigration authorities identified the injured driver as Luis David Nino-Moncada, who allegedly entered the United States illegally in 2022 and faced prior arrests for driving under the influence and vehicle theft. The passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, purportedly crossed the border illegally in 2023 near El Paso, Texas.
Federal officials alleged Zambrano-Contreras maintained active participation in a Tren de Aragua prostitution operation and possessed involvement with a prior Portland shooting incident. Police records indicated she had previous arrests in the region for prostitution, while Nino-Moncada was present during execution of a search warrant. Both individuals remained hospitalized and conscious, according to authorities.
Police Chief Day acknowledged a connection between the two suspects and a July shooting in which the victim claimed attack by gang members, though he avoided elaborating further. He emphasized maintaining commitment to factual investigation and rule of law. Day also noted that while Tren de Aragua operates in Portland, its presence appears less extensive than some reports suggest.
The shooting coincided with intensified federal immigration enforcement operations across multiple cities including Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The Portland incident occurred one day after an immigration agent fatally shot a motorist in Minneapolis, a circumstance authorities attributed to an attempted vehicular assault, contrary to state officials’ accounts. Status of any criminal charges remained unclear.
Wednesday night witnessed substantial protest activity outside a Portland immigration detention facility, resulting in six arrests for disorderly conduct.
