The Unbiased Post Logo
Sunday 22/02/2026

Federal Agents Shoot Two in Portland Amidst Immigration Crackdown

Federal agents in Portland during immigration enforcement
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Two individuals with alleged ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were shot by federal agents in Portland, Oregon.
  • The Department of Homeland Security stated the shooting occurred after the driver attempted to run over an agent during a traffic stop.
  • The wounded individuals, Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, are recovering in hospital.
  • Portland's mayor has called for a pause in ICE operations pending an investigation into the incident.
  • The shooting follows a similar incident in Minneapolis, raising concerns about immigration enforcement tactics.

In a dramatic escalation of immigration enforcement, two individuals were shot by federal agents in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the involvement of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in the incident, which has sparked significant controversy and calls for a pause in operations.

Incident Details

The confrontation unfolded during a traffic stop when federal agents attempted to apprehend Luis David Nino-Moncada, suspected of being an undocumented immigrant with gang affiliations. According to DHS, the situation turned violent when Nino-Moncada allegedly tried to run over an agent, prompting the officer to fire in self-defense. Both Nino-Moncada and his passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, sustained injuries and are currently hospitalized but expected to recover.

Gang Ties and Legal Context

Officials have linked both individuals to the Tren de Aragua gang, notorious for its criminal activities. Nino-Moncada reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and has a history of arrests, including driving under the influence. Zambrano-Contreras, who entered the country in 2023, is alleged to have been involved in a prostitution ring and a prior shooting incident in Portland.

Political Reactions

Portland's Mayor, Keith Wilson, has expressed skepticism over the federal account of events, urging a halt to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city until a thorough investigation is completed. This incident follows a similar shooting in Minneapolis, where an ICE officer fatally shot a motorist, further fueling the debate over immigration enforcement practices.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The Portland shooting incident underscores the growing tension between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement agencies. As investigations proceed, the outcome could influence future policies and operations of ICE and DHS, particularly in cities with significant immigrant populations. Legal experts suggest that increased scrutiny of federal tactics might lead to reforms aimed at balancing enforcement with community safety. Meanwhile, political leaders may leverage these incidents to push for legislative changes, potentially impacting the broader landscape of U.S. immigration policy.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Department of Homeland Security
Additional article image
Image Source: David Redfern/Redferns
Additional article image
Image Source: Bobbie Kurivial