by Portland, Ore. – Federal officials say U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents shot two alleged Tren de Aragua gang members Thursday afternoon after the suspects allegedly tried to run them down during a traffic stop in Portland. The incident comes just one day after an ICE agent fatally shot a Minnesota anti-ICE activist, raising tensions over federal enforcement actions in multiple states.
Alleged Gang Members Target Agents
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the federal agent-involved shooting occurred when agents attempted a targeted traffic stop. Officials said the driver, an alleged member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, and the passenger, an illegal Venezuelan migrant, “weaponized” their vehicle during the encounter.
“Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot. The driver drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene. This situation is evolving, and more information is forthcoming,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said.
The agents reportedly identified themselves, but the driver allegedly attempted to mow them down with the vehicle. Federal officials stressed that the shooting was defensive in nature.
Scene and Emergency Response
Local police said the victims were later located with gunshot wounds near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside Street at around 2:20 p.m. local time, after the male victim called authorities for help.
“We are still in the early stages of this incident,” Chief Bob Day of Portland Police said. “Police had no role in the shooting. We understand this heightened emotion and tension… but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more.”
Police applied tourniquets to both the man and woman, who were then transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their condition has not been confirmed.
Federal Investigation and Gang Ties
Officials say the driver is connected to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, while the passenger is allegedly involved in the gang’s prostitution ring and Portland shootings.
The FBI is leading the federal investigation, with DHS and CBP assisting. Authorities have not released the names of the individuals shot, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Public and Political Reaction
The shooting has sparked political backlash. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the federal agents and urged ICE and CBP to halt operations in the city until a full independent review is conducted.
“Violence in our community is devastating; these are not statistics, they are human beings,” Wilson said. “Our community deserves answers, accountability, and most of all, peace. Portland is not a training ground for militarized agents.”
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek also criticized the shooting, calling it “another terrible unnecessary violent event” and blaming DHS policies for endangering public safety.
State Senator Kayse Jama added:
“We do not need you. You’re not welcome here, and you need to get the hell out of our community.”
Context: Minneapolis ICE Shooting
The Portland incident occurred one day after Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minn., during an altercation involving her vehicle. Federal officials said the agent acted in self-defense, claiming Good struck him with her car.
Sources described Good as an anti-ICE activist connected to a local charter school’s social justice community. Supporters have called her a “warrior” who died doing what she believed was right.
Spike in Threats Against ICE Agents
Following the Minneapolis shooting, DHS released data showing vehicular attacks on ICE officers surged 3,200% over the past year. Between Jan. 21, 2025, and Jan. 7, 2026, agents reported 66 attacks, compared to only two during the same period in 2024.
Federal officials also noted a 1,347% increase in assaults and an 8,000% surge in death threats against immigration officers during the first year of Trump’s second term. DHS attributed the increases in part to “radical rhetoric from sanctuary politicians.”
Public Safety and Awareness
Officials urge residents to avoid confrontation with federal agents and to report suspicious or dangerous activity to local authorities. While enforcement operations can be high-risk, civilians should exercise caution around federal stops or police interventions.
Conclusion
The Portland CBP shooting underscores growing tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement, gang-related activity, and public safety in urban areas. Authorities continue to investigate the incident thoroughly, with the FBI leading the case and local officials monitoring developments. Share your experiences in the comments below.
