Incident Involving Border Patrol in Portland
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that the individuals shot by Border Patrol agents in Portland on Thursday were identified as Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras. The agency labeled them as a “gang member and his prostitute,” connecting them to Tren de Aragua (TdA), which is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
Federal authorities also noted that both are illegal immigrants from Venezuela.
During a traffic stop conducted by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent at around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras managed to flee the scene briefly before being pursued.
According to a statement from DHS, agents attempted to stop their vehicle. After identifying themselves, they claimed Moncada used the car “as a weapon,” attempting to run them over. In response, an agent fired shots, fearing for his safety.
The couple eventually fled for around 2.5 miles to an area near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside Street, close to where they lived. Local police responded to reports of the incident, providing immediate assistance, including a tourniquet to at least one individual, before both were taken to nearby hospitals for gunshot wounds.
Zambrano-Contreras reportedly crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2023 near El Paso, Texas. Under the Biden administration, she was released into the country and is accused of having an active role in a TdA prostitution ring and links to a previous shooting in Portland, per DHS information. Moncada, an illegal immigrant from 2022, has faced charges for DUI and unauthorized vehicle use and was the driver during the traffic stop that led to the shooting incident. He currently has a final deportation order.
Following the events, Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed the couple had surgery and were stable. Initial reports suggested Moncada was shot in the arm and Zambrano-Contreras in the chest, but both survived. Moncada was reportedly transferred from the hospital into FBI custody late Friday.
No federal or state charges have been filed against them as the investigation is ongoing. Prosecutors typically await thorough investigative findings before deciding on potential charges in use-of-force incidents.
During a press conference Thursday, Portland’s Mayor Keith Wilson, accompanied by Governor Tina Kotek, voiced skepticism about the federal account of events.
“There was a time we could take them at their word. That time is long past,” Wilson stated. “Portland is not a ‘training ground’ for militarized agents. I call on ICE to end all operations in Portland until a full investigation is completed.”
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has initiated a formal inquiry to determine if federal agents overstepped their authority. Following the incident, protests erupted outside the local ICE facility, resulting in six arrests as police worked to disperse the crowd.
