DHS names 2 people shot in Portland, links them to Tren de Aragua as protests follow nationwide

PORTLAND, OREGON: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday, January 9, identified the two people shot by federal agents in Portland during a targeted vehicle stop, describing them as suspected associates of a transnational criminal group.

The incident occurred on Thursday, January 8, when a US Customs and Border Protection agent opened fire during an enforcement operation, according to DHS.

Both individuals were hospitalized, though their current conditions have not been released. The shooting prompted an investigation by Oregon’s attorney general and protests in Portland and other cities.

DHS account of the incident and identities 

In a post on X, DHS said that the driver of the vehicle, Luis David Nico Moncada, entered the United States unlawfully in 2022 and was later released into the country.

The department said that Moncada had since been arrested on multiple charges and was subject to a final order of removal.

DHS identified the passenger as Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, who entered the nation unlawfully in 2023 and was also released pending immigration proceedings.

According to DHS, the shooting occurred after the driver allegedly attempted to strike agents with the vehicle during the stop.

One agent reportedly fired his weapon, striking the driver in the arm and the passenger in the chest, officials said.

DHS said that both individuals were suspected of involvement with an organized criminal network, Tren de Aragua, originating in Venezuela, though officials have not released evidence supporting those claims.

The department alleged that Zambrano-Contreras had been connected to illicit activities and a prior violent incident in Portland, while Moncada had prior arrests, including for driving under the influence and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

In its public statement, DHS characterized the shooting as an act of self-defense by the agent.

“The agent took immediate action to defend himself and others,” the department said, alleging the vehicle was used as a weapon during the encounter.

Local officials have disputed aspects of the federal response and called for greater transparency.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson demanded that Immigration and Customs Enforcement halt operations in the city until a local review can be completed, citing concerns about public safety and oversight.

State investigation and protests follow  

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced on Thursday that his office has opened a formal investigation into the shooting.

In a post on X, Rayfield said that the review would examine whether any federal agents “acted outside the scope of their lawful authority.”

He added that the findings could be referred to a district attorney for potential prosecution. “Our office will take every step necessary to ensure that the rights and security of Oregonians are protected,” Rayfield said.

The Portland shooting came amid heightened national scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement following another deadly incident earlier this week in Minneapolis, where a woman was killed during a separate federal operation by an ICE agent.

The two incidents have fueled protests across the country, with demonstrators calling for federal immigration agencies to suspend operations in local communities.

In Portland, protests broke out overnight after the shooting, with demonstrators gathering in the city’s downtown area. Nationwide, crowds also assembled outside federal buildings, including in Minneapolis.