A man and woman shot by a U.S. immigration agent in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday have been identified by officials as having ties to the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua, according to law enforcement sources and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed in a Friday press briefing that both individuals “do have some involvement” with the gang, though he did not elaborate on the depth of their affiliation. Federal authorities stated that the Border Patrol agent involved was forced to open fire after the driver allegedly tried to run him over during a traffic stop. DHS described the incident as the pair weaponizing their vehicle against federal agents.
Both individuals are currently hospitalized and “on the road to recovery,” Day said.
Identities and Alleged Backgrounds
The driver was identified by DHS as Luis David Nino-Moncada, who reportedly entered the United States illegally in 2022. Since his arrival, Nino-Moncada has faced prior arrests for offenses including driving under the influence (DUI) and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
The passenger, identified as Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 near El Paso, Texas. DHS alleged that Zambrano-Contreras had participated in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and may have been involved in a previous shooting in Portland. Federal officials clarified that contrary to some media reports, the two individuals are not a married couple.
Sequence of the Incident
According to DHS and police accounts:
- Agents pulled over the vehicle and identified themselves.
- The driver allegedly attempted to run over the agent, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense.
- The driver then fled the scene with Zambrano-Contreras as a passenger.
- The pair drove approximately five miles (8 km) to an apartment complex, where they called for medical assistance.
Chief Day confirmed that both victims have a “nexus” to a July shooting incident involving Tren de Aragua members but did not provide further details.
Gang Presence in Portland
Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization known for activities such as drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crime, maintains a presence in Portland. Chief Day noted that while the gang operates in the city, its influence is limited compared to perceptions.
Local authorities indicated that Zambrano-Contreras has a prior record in the region for prostitution-related offenses, while Nino-Moncada had been present during law enforcement searches under a search warrant.
Broader Context
The Portland shooting occurred just one day after another immigration agent shot a motorist in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a separate self-defense incident that has drawn national attention. DHS recently deployed agents to multiple U.S. cities—including Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago—for targeted operations aimed at arresting and deporting individuals in the country illegally.
Following Thursday night’s shooting, hundreds of protesters gathered outside a Portland immigration detention center. Six people were arrested for disorderly conduct during the demonstration.
As of Friday, it remains unclear whether Nino-Moncada or Zambrano-Contreras will face criminal charges related to Thursday’s shooting. Federal authorities maintain that the agent acted in self-defense, while local officials have yet to issue a formal statement on potential charges.
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