2 people shot in Portland identified as possible Tren de Aragua members, DHS claims

FULL: Portland officials provide update on shooting

We are learning tonight what city officials in Portland, Oregon are saying about the U.S. Customs and Border Protection members who were allegedly conducting a "targeted vehicle stop" that left two people injured. This comes after Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security, posted on social media that border patrol agents were conducting a traffic stop when this incident occurred. The Department of Homeland Security’s agencies include Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Border Patrol. Officials including the Governor of Oregon, Tina Kotek, spoke to the media following events from earlier in the day.

The two people who were shot by a U.S. border patrol agent on Thursday have been identified by the Department of Homeland Security. 

The department shared on Friday that both Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras are undocumented immigrants and are suspected of being part of the Tren de Aragua gang.

"He illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and was RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration. Since then, he was arrested for DUI and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He has a final order of removal. The passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras is a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and is associated with Tren de Aragua," the DHS said in part. 

Border agent shoots 2 people in Portland

What we know:

On Jan. 8, border patrol agents were conducting a "targeted vehicle stop" before the shooting occurred. 

When the agents identified themselves to the passengers, they allegedly tried to run them over, DHS claimed.

There was no immediate independent corroboration of that account or of any gang affiliation of Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras. 

What we don't know:

The conditions of both Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras are not known as this time. 

Local perspective:

City Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney said during a meeting that "as far as we know, both of these individuals are still alive, and we are hoping for more positive updates throughout the afternoon."

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson  and the city council called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to end all operations in Oregon’s largest city until a full investigation is completed.

What they're saying:

"We stand united as elected officials in saying that we cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts," a joint statement said. "Portland is not a ‘training ground’ for militarized agents, and the ‘full force’ threatened by the administration has deadly consequences."

The city officials said "federal militarization undermines effective, community‑based public safety, and it runs counter to the values that define our region. We’ll use every legal and legislative tool available to protect our residents’ civil and human rights."

They urged residents to show up with "calm and purpose during this difficult time."

"We respond with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice," the statement said. "We must stand together to protect Portland."

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, urged any protesters to remain peaceful.

"Trump wants to generate riots," he said in a post on the X social media platform. "Don’t take the bait."