Officials in Oregon have launched an investigation into a shooting involving Border Patrol agents that occurred on January 8, 2026, in Portland. The incident left two Venezuelan nationals wounded and has ignited a wave of protests and calls for accountability from local leaders and community members.
According to a statement from Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the shooting took place during a “targeted vehicle stop.” The vehicle involved was driven by Luis David Nico Moncada, who, upon the agents identifying themselves, allegedly attempted to run over the law enforcement personnel. In response, an agent discharged their weapon, resulting in injuries to Moncada and his passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras.
DHS reported that both individuals entered the United States undocumented, arriving in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The agency also stated that Moncada had a prior DUI arrest. Additionally, they alleged that both were involved in criminal gang activity, though these claims have not been substantiated with documentation, and media outlets, including The Washington Post, could not verify them.
Local officials have expressed deep concern over the use of force by federal agents in the city. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that his office would conduct a formal investigation to determine whether any federal officer acted outside their legal authority. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating, “We have been clear about our concerns with excessive use of force by federal agents.”
The mayor of Portland, Keith Wilson, described the shooting as “deeply troubling” and urged ICE to suspend operations in the city until the investigation concludes. He likened the situation to earlier incidents of police violence that have sparked nationwide protests and discussions about law enforcement practices. “We cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts,” Wilson said.
In a news conference later that day, Wilson expressed skepticism regarding the federal account of the incident. “There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past,” he remarked. He further noted that he had been in contact with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, sharing concerns about the recklessness of federal immigration enforcement actions in both cities.
State Senator Kayse Jama announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at reducing ICE’s operations in Oregon. “Let me say to the federal agencies and ICE: This is Oregon. We do not need you. You’re not welcome,” he stated emphatically.
The shooting incident has drawn comparisons to previous encounters involving federal agents during the Trump administration, which saw a rise in immigration enforcement tactics and at least a dozen shootings involving federal officers. Such actions have frequently resulted in community unrest and heightened tensions between federal authorities and local residents.
Following the shooting, Portland police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 14:18 local time and discovered the victims had fled to an apartment building several miles away. Witnesses described a scene of chaos, with one neighbor reporting seeing a bleeding man as he sought help. Police cordoned off the area and began an investigation into the shooting.
Governor Tina Kotek addressed the media, stating, “Trust is essential to maintaining community safety and the rule of law. Federal agents at the direction of the Department of Homeland Security are shattering trust. They are hurting people and they are destroying day by day what we hold dear.”
As the investigation unfolds, community members and activists continue to rally outside federal facilities in Portland, demanding justice and accountability for the actions of federal agents. The outcome of this investigation may have broader implications for immigration enforcement practices and community relations in Oregon and beyond.
