Shooting Incident in Portland Involving Federal Officers
A man and a woman were shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Portland, as reported by local news outlets. They were quickly taken to a hospital, but there hasn’t been any update on their condition yet.
Following the incident, Mayor Keith Wilson expressed deep concern. He emphasized the need to protect constitutional rights and called for a halt to ICE operations in Portland until a thorough investigation occurs. It’s a difficult time, and he mentioned that, as Mayor, he sees the need to put a stop to any further escalations.
This shooting follows another tragic event just a day prior. A 37-year-old woman was killed after allegedly attempting to hit an ICE officer with her vehicle, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Portland Police reported that the recent shooting took place around 2:24 p.m. near Northeast 146th Street and East Burnside. The FBI confirmed they are looking into the matter.
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement explaining that Border Patrol had targeted a vehicle believed to be carrying undocumented Venezuelan individuals linked to a prostitution ring. As agents identified themselves, the driver allegedly tried to use the vehicle as a weapon, prompting officers to fire in self-defense.
Wilson noted that such incidents are troubling for the community. He highlighted, “We can’t just stand by while constitutional protections are eroding and violence continues.” He stressed that Portland shouldn’t be a training ground for militarized enforcement and that the risks involved could lead to more fatalities.
During a City Council meeting, Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney provided an update on the injured individuals, stating, “As far as we know, both of these individuals are still alive, and we are optimistic for their recovery.”
Protests against ICE facilities in Portland have seen increasing violence lately, driven by widespread opposition to mass deportations. The situation has escalated further, especially in neighboring Minneapolis, where schools closed for the remainder of the week due to safety concerns.
