Portland, Oregon, January 9, 2026: A serious law enforcement incident unfolded in Portland’s East Burnside area on Thursday when two individuals were shot by agents of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The shooting occurred near East Burnside and 141st Avenue, prompting a swift response from the FBI, Portland Police Bureau, and other emergency responders. Authorities have confirmed that the two victims sustained gunshot wounds, though their current conditions have not been officially released.

The incident has heightened tensions in Portland, a city already on alert following several high-profile law enforcement incidents in the region. Early reports from local outlet KTAU indicated that both federal and local law enforcement units converged on the scene within minutes of receiving the emergency call. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, coordinating closely with Portland police and the Department of Homeland Security to establish the sequence of events.

Sequence of Events

According to official statements, Portland city authorities received reports at approximately 2:24 p.m. local time of an individual seeking help after being shot in the Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside area. Responding officers discovered two victims—a male and a female—both with apparent gunshot wounds. The investigation quickly revealed that a CBP agent had discharged a firearm, resulting in injuries to both individuals.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stated that the CBP agent acted out of self-defense. “Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired defensive shots. The driver drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene,” McLaughlin said. The DHS further alleged that one of the victims had links to the Venezuelan Tren De Aragua gang, an organization known for organized criminal activity in Latin America and associated U.S. operations.

At this time, investigators have not confirmed whether the gang affiliation directly influenced the sequence of events or the shooting itself. Police continue to examine available evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic data from the scene.

Law Enforcement Response

Portland Police Chief Bob Day addressed the public, urging calm amid rising community anxiety. “We are still in the early stages of this incident. We understand the heightened emotion and tension many are feeling in the wake of the shooting in Minneapolis, but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more,” Chief Day said.

For safety, the city has temporarily closed East Burnside Street westbound between Northeast 145th Avenue and Northeast 148th Avenue. Barricades remain in place while officers continue to investigate and secure the area. The closure has impacted local traffic and business activities, with authorities asking residents to avoid the immediate vicinity until further notice.

Federal Investigation

The FBI, as the lead investigative agency, has mobilized a specialized team to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials are reviewing forensic evidence, ballistics reports, and body-worn camera footage, where available, to ascertain the events that led to the discharge of a CBP firearm.

Federal authorities emphasized that no conclusions have been drawn yet regarding culpability, and the case remains active and ongoing. DHS officials stated that the CBP agent involved is cooperating fully with the investigation and that the agency is committed to ensuring transparency in reviewing the incident.

Context and Regional Tensions

The Portland shooting comes amid heightened national scrutiny of federal law enforcement interactions with civilians. Just a day prior, an ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good at an anti-ICE demonstration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, prompting public protests and raising tensions around immigration enforcement practices.

Though local and federal authorities have stated that the Portland shooting is not linked to immigration raids, the timing of the incident has sparked concern among civil rights advocates and local residents. Community groups have called for a thorough, independent investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.

Portland has experienced several high-profile law enforcement incidents over the past year, leading to increased scrutiny of police and federal agency actions. This latest event has further intensified discussions about the use of force, community safety, and public accountability in policing practices.

Gang Allegations

The DHS spokesperson highlighted that preliminary investigations suggest one of the victims may be affiliated with the Venezuelan Tren De Aragua gang, a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illicit activities both in South America and in certain U.S. jurisdictions. According to federal authorities, the gang’s U.S. operations are relatively small but carry significant criminal implications, and law enforcement has been monitoring their activities closely.

Authorities, however, cautioned that gang affiliation alone does not justify the use of lethal force and that the investigation will carefully evaluate whether the CBP agent’s actions were consistent with lawful self-defense protocols.

Public Reactions

Local residents and community leaders have expressed concern and unease following the shooting. Some have highlighted the potential for increased public fear and mistrust of law enforcement, especially in neighborhoods where federal and local agencies maintain a visible presence. Others have urged residents to stay calm and allow the investigation to proceed without speculation.

“This incident is deeply concerning. People are worried about safety and the proportionality of force used. We need clear answers from both local and federal authorities,” said a Portland community organizer.

Next Steps

The FBI has confirmed that it will continue its investigation until all facts have been verified. Portland police will assist with evidence collection, interviews, and maintaining security in the area. Authorities have indicated that both victims will receive appropriate medical attention once the immediate forensic and investigative procedures are completed.

Officials have also pledged to release periodic updates to the public as the situation develops. Investigators are currently reviewing vehicle movements, witness statements, and other digital and physical evidence that may shed light on why the CBP agent discharged his firearm.

Implications for Federal Enforcement

This shooting highlights ongoing challenges faced by federal law enforcement agencies in managing interactions with civilians, particularly in urban environments. With increasing public scrutiny and calls for transparency, agencies like CBP and ICE are under pressure to adhere to strict rules of engagement and ensure that use-of-force incidents are justified, documented, and reviewed.

Experts note that incidents involving federal agents, especially in high-population areas like Portland, can have wide-ranging effects on community trust, policing practices, and inter-agency coordination. Law enforcement and civil rights groups will likely monitor this case closely for precedents regarding accountability and procedural compliance.

Conclusion

The Portland CBP-involved shooting remains under active investigation by the FBI, with Portland police and DHS providing support. While both victims sustained gunshot injuries, their current medical conditions have not been released. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, while forensic and investigative procedures are ongoing.

As more details emerge, including potential gang affiliations and the exact sequence of events leading to the shooting, the incident is expected to generate further discussion about use of force, federal law enforcement oversight, and community safety in urban U.S. settings.