In Portland, Oregon, on a recent Thursday, a man and woman were shot by an immigration agent during a traffic stop. The two individuals were identified as having connections to the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.
Details of the Incident
Portland Police Chief Bob Day disclosed that both subjects have involvement with the gang but did not provide further specifics. According to federal officials, the shooting occurred when the driver allegedly attempted to run over the agent during a stop. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims the pair “weaponized their vehicle” against Border Patrol, forcing the agent to fire in self-defense.
Injured Individuals Identified
The injured driver has been identified as Luis David Nino-Moncada. Authorities indicate he illegally entered the US in 2022 and has a history of arrests, including DUI and unauthorized vehicle use. The passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, reportedly entered the US illegally in 2023, near El Paso, Texas.
- Luis David Nino-Moncada: Illegal entry in 2022, prior arrests for DUI
- Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras: Illegal entry in 2023, linked to Tren de Aragua prostitution ring
DHS also alleges that Zambrano-Contreras played an active role in criminal activities tied to Tren de Aragua and was involved in a previous shooting incident in Portland. The agency has clarified that some media erroneously reported the two as a married couple.
Timeline of Events
Following the shooting, the couple drove approximately five miles to an apartment complex, where they sought emergency help. Chief Day confirmed that both individuals are conscious and en route to recovery.
Gang Activity and Police Statements
Day acknowledged the couple’s connection to a shooting incident that occurred in July involving members of Tren de Aragua. However, he did not elaborate on the relationship. He emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in the police department while noting that Tren de Aragua’s influence in Portland may not be as prevalent as perceived.
Community Response
On Thursday night, protests erupted outside an immigration detention center in Portland, leading to six arrests for disorderly conduct. This incident followed the deadly shooting of another motorist by an immigration agent in Minneapolis, which has raised concerns about law enforcement’s methods and objectives.
As federal agencies conduct operations in multiple cities, protests against such actions continue to surface, reflecting community tension regarding immigration enforcement policies.
