Portland Police Chief Bob Day cries while revealing suspected Tren de Aragua links in CBP incident

PORTLAND, OREGON: Portland Police Chief Bob Day became visibly emotional on Friday, January 9, while confirming that the two people shot during a federal enforcement operation had suspected ties to the transnational criminal group Tren de Aragua.

The confirmation followed a statement earlier in the day from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifying the individuals and characterizing the shooting as an act of self-defense.

The incident, which occurred during a targeted vehicle stop involving Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, sparked investigations by state authorities and protests in Portland and nationwide.

Police chief confirms suspected gang nexus during emotional briefing 

Speaking at a news conference, Chief Day confirmed that the two individuals wounded during the federal encounter had suspected connections to Tren de Aragua, echoing claims made earlier by DHS.

“They do have some nexus to involvement with TDA. We can confirm that,” Day said, pausing as he appeared to choke up while addressing the reporters.

Day said that he initially hesitated to publicly disclose the suspected ties, citing concerns about what he described as the “historic injustice of victim blaming.”

He emphasized that the shooting remained under active investigation and that the information was shared in the interest of transparency, not to prejudge the case.

According to authorities, the two individuals, identified as driver Luis David Nico Moncada and passenger Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, were wounded when a federal agent opened fire during an enforcement operation.

Both remained hospitalized in stable condition and were in federal custody.

Day stressed that while law enforcement agencies are cooperating, Portland police are not leading the investigation into the shooting itself, which involves federal officers. He reiterated that confirmation of suspected criminal associations does not determine the legality of the agent’s actions.

DHS statement and suspects' background 

The Department of Homeland Security said that the shooting occurred on Thursday, during a targeted vehicle stop when the driver allegedly attempted to strike agents by “weaponizing his vehicle.” 

“The agent took immediate action to defend himself and others,” DHS said in a statement, describing the shooting as self-defense.

DHS identified Moncada as having entered the United States unlawfully in 2022 and said that he was later released pending immigration proceedings. The department said that he had prior arrests and was subject to a final order of removal.

Zambrano-Contreras was identified as having entered the country unlawfully in 2023 and was also released pending immigration proceedings. DHS alleged that she had connections to illicit activity and a prior violent incident in Portland, though officials did not publicly release evidence supporting those claims.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson also called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to halt operations in the city until a local review was completed, citing concerns over public safety and oversight.