Two suspected Tren de Aragua gang associates were shot by federal agents during a targeted traffic stop in Portland, Ore., after allegedly weaponizing their vehicle against U.S. Border Patrol agents.,
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided details of the suspects on social media, saying the two individuals are criminal illegal aliens from Venezuela involved with TdA who were released into the country by the Biden administration.
Yesterday, two suspected Tren de Aragua gang associates—let loose on American streets by Joe Biden—weaponized their vehicle against Border Patrol in Portland. The agent took immediate action to defend himself and others, shooting them.
The driver of the vehicle, Luis David Nico… pic.twitter.com/E7qHKKfp6b
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 9, 2026
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were attempting to apprehend a passenger in the vehicle, TDA affiliate Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, when the driver tried to drive off and run agents over.
The shooting occurred Thursday afternoon in a medical clinic parking lot near Adventist Medical Center in Southeast Portland, authorities and witnesses said.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin appeared on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” on Friday.
“When they realized who our law enforcement were, they pulled forward attempting to hit our law enforcement, and that’s when our agent, he again followed his training and fired defensive shots at that vehicle,” McLaughlin said.
Zambrano-Contreras, 32, is an illegal alien from Venezuela who authorities said is involved in a prostitution ring. The driver of the vehicle was Luis David Nico Moncada, a suspected TdA gang member with a final order of removal.
Zambrano-Contreras illegally entering the United States in 2023 near El Paso, Texas, and was released into the country by the Biden administration. She is allegedly involved in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and connected to a recent shooting in Portland, DHS officials said.
Moncada illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and was released into the country by the Biden administration. Since then, he has been arrested for DUI and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
One was shot in the leg and the other in the chest, Portland police sources told OregonLive.com. They are believed to be a married couple.
The two individuals fled the scene and drove 5 miles before calling 911 to report their injuries, McLaughlin said. Both individuals are currently hospitalized. The FBI will assume custody upon their release.
Meanwhile, Portland officials and other Democrats, similar to those in Minneapolis, are escalating tensions with anti-ICE rhetoric, describing Thursday’s shooting as “straight out of the authoritarian playbook,” OregonLive.com reported.
DHS released new statistics this week on assaults against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement, which appear to be fueled on by coordinated and organized activist groups.
ICE agents have faced a more than 1,300% increase in assaults, a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks against them, and an 8,000% increase in death threats.
Tensions are running high following another ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis that involved a woman who had repeatedly harassed and impeded ICE the morning of the incident. Renee Good was part of an ICE Watch group that monitors and interferes with immigration enforcement operations, Fox News Digital reported.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said “this violence and dehumanization of ICE law enforcement must end.”
From Jan. 21, 2025, to Jan. 7, 2026, ICE law enforcement officers experienced 66 vehicular attacks against them, compared to only 2 during the same time period the previous year. This is a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks.
“This unprecedented increase in violence against law enforcement is a direct result of sanctuary politicians and the media creating an environment that demonizes our law enforcement and encourages rampant assaults against them,” McLaughlin said. “Dangerous criminals — whether they be illegal aliens or U.S. citizens — are assaulting law enforcement and turning their vehicles into weapons to attack law enforcement.”
Democrats continue to push for citizens and activists to resist ICE. Below are just a few samples of the violent rhetoric against DHS law enforcement:
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called ICE law enforcement the “modern-day Gestapo.”
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has continued to fanned the flames, saying “somebody is going to get seriously injured or killed.” This week, Frey called for ICE to “get the f**k out of Minneapolis.”
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for people to “fight” President Trump’s agenda “in the streets.”
- Governor Pritzker claimed the United States is “essentially” becoming Nazi Germany as a result of ICE’s heroic efforts.
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu compared mask-wearing ICE agents to a Neo-Nazi group.
- Rep. Becca Balint likens ICE law enforcement officers to “vigilantes” engaging in “kidnapping.”
