Two people were shot by federal law enforcement in Portland, Oregon, on January 8, 2026. The victims, Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, are linked to a Venezuelan criminal gang known as Tren de Aragua, according to Portland police.
Police Chief Bob Day mentioned that the pair was under investigation for their possible connection to a shooting last summer tied to the gang. While the investigation continues, he emphasized they are not considered suspects at this time.
Zambrano-Contreras has a prior arrest for prostitution in Washington County, where Nino-Moncada was also present during law enforcement actions. That involvement has led to a pending human trafficking case, as noted by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.
The situation escalated when Border Patrol agents tried to stop a vehicle driven by Nino-Moncada, who is reportedly in the U.S. illegally. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said he tried to run over the agents, leading to the shooting. Investigations by the FBI are ongoing, with emphasis on gathering facts before making conclusions.
Public reactions have varied, with many residents expressing fear and confusion over the event. Patrick Herrington, a resident of the area, described a chaotic scene, recalling how he witnessed police treatment of the victims in front of their apartment complex.
Protests erupted in Portland following the shooting, reflecting public concerns over federal law enforcement actions. As tensions rise, many community leaders have called for peaceful demonstrations, urging citizens to remember their message’s integrity.
Recent statistics show that shootings involving law enforcement have increased, highlighting a growing concern about police conduct and community safety. In 2022, the Washington Post reported nearly 1,100 fatal police shootings in the U.S., with individuals from marginalized communities frequently being the victims.
Greg Bretzing, a former lead investigator at the FBI, noted that investigations can be lengthy, but he urged the public to avoid rushing to judgment. “Gathering evidence takes time, and it’s critical to allow that process to unfold,” he shared.
Overall, as the investigation continues, both Nino-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras are recovering in stable condition after undergoing surgery. Community sentiment remains tense as many await more details about the incident and call for accountability from federal law enforcement.
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Portland | Shooting | Politics
