Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
A Border Patrol agent shot and wounded two unarmed Venezuelan nationals in a Portland hospital parking lot on January 8, 2026. DHS says the driver weaponized his truck; charges against both were later reduced, and a bullet-removal incident drew scrutiny.
BackgroundWhen can federal immigration agents use deadly force?
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
This case classifies public responses to the January 8, 2026 shooting of Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in the parking lot of an Adventist Health clinic in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the shooting was in self-defense because the driver 'weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.' Initial reporting described the pair as unarmed, and federal prosecutors later dropped the aggravated-assault charge and disclaimed an earlier gang-membership allegation, instead accepting a guilty plea to a lesser property-damage charge. A federal public defenders' filing also disclosed that a Portland police officer's body camera captured a Border Patrol agent attempting to remove a bullet from the scene before it was preserved as evidence. Statements collected here take a position on whether the agent's use of force against the two was justified, in light of the driver's account, the video and evidence-handling developments, and the allegations that were later walked back.
Background: When can federal immigration agents use deadly force?
People in this case
Tricia McLaughlinDirectly involved
Alek SkarlatosCommented
Bob DayCommented
Kayse JamaCommented
Timeline
13 timeline entries on this page. Dates: January 8, 2026 to September 16, 2026
January 2026
Jama expresses outrage after two people are shot in Portland
Reaction
Kayse Jama joined Portland officials at a January 8 press conference after a federal-agent shooting. He expressed outrage and demanded that ICE leave the community.
[01]Kayse Jama responds to the Portland federal-agent shooting
Jama's response at the January 8 press conference.
Kayse Jama responds to the Portland federal-agent shootingCity of Portland statement; Kayse Jama remarks after the January 8 press conference.Border Patrol agent shoots Niño-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras in Portland
Incident
A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and wounded Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in the parking lot of an Adventist Health clinic in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood at about 2:15 p.m., during a vehicle stop by a team of Border Patrol agents. Agents said the driver put the truck in reverse and repeatedly struck an unoccupied rental vehicle used by the agents before an agent fired.
[02]NBC News
Source excerpt
Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired defensive shots. ... the driver allegedly "weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents."
Reporting quoting DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin's official account of the January 8, 2026 shooting, including the self-defense and 'weaponized his vehicle' characterization; also gives shooting time/location and initial victim identification.
2 people shot by Border Patrol agent in Portland identified by DHS · NBC Newsparagraphs quoting DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlinDHS says the shooting was self-defense and alleges gang ties
Claim
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the agent fired defensive shots after the driver 'weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents,' and said the two were believed to have ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, with Zambrano-Contreras also alleged to be connected to a prostitution ring. Initial reporting described the pair as unarmed.
[02]NBC News
Source excerpt
Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired defensive shots. ... the driver allegedly "weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents."
Reporting quoting DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin's official account of the January 8, 2026 shooting, including the self-defense and 'weaponized his vehicle' characterization; also gives shooting time/location and initial victim identification.
2 people shot by Border Patrol agent in Portland identified by DHS · NBC Newsparagraphs quoting DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlinOregon attorney general opens a state investigation
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said late on January 8 that the Oregon Department of Justice was opening a formal investigation into whether any federal officer acted outside the scope of their lawful authority in the shooting.
[03]The Washington Post
Source excerpt
“We have been clear about our concerns with excessive use of force by federal agents in Portland and nationally,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield (D) wrote on social media late Thursday, adding that his office was opening a formal investigation to examine whether “any federal officer acted outside the scope of their lawful authority.”
Washington Post report on the first day of official responses to the Portland shooting.
Oregon officials launch probe after Border Patrol agents shoot 2 in Portland · The Washington PostThe Washington Post, via Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 9, 2026Protests and six arrests outside Portland ICE facility
Reaction
Hundreds of people protested near Portland's ICE facility and held a vigil at City Hall the evening of the shooting. Portland police made six arrests on charges including riot, second-degree disorderly conduct, and interfering with a peace officer.
[04]Portland Police Bureau
Source excerpt
Six people were arrested on charges including riot, disorderly conduct in the second degree, and interfering with a peace officer.
Portland Police Bureau's official account of protest activity near the Portland ICE facility on the night of January 8-9, 2026, following the shooting, including the six arrests.
PPB Monitors Protest Activity Near ICE Facility; Six Arrests Made · Portland Police Bureaufull press releaseFBI says it has found no video of the shooting
The FBI, which opened an investigation into the shooting, said in a court filing made public January 12, 2026 that none of the six agents present was recording body camera footage and that investigators had found no surveillance or other video of the shooting.
[05]The Washington Post
Source excerpt
None of the six agents was recording body camera footage, and investigators have uncovered no surveillance or other video footage of the shooting.
Reports the FBI's court filing stating it had found no video of the shooting as of January 12, 2026, before the Fora Health surveillance footage was later disclosed in February 2026.
FBI says it has found no video of Border Patrol agent shooting 2 people in Oregon · The Washington Postfull articleNiño-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras charged federally
Claim
Niño-Moncada was indicted on charges including aggravated assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property; Zambrano-Contreras was charged with improper entry by an alien. Both were released from hospital care into federal custody.
[06]Oregon Public Broadcasting
Source excerpt
Nino-Moncada was indicted on charges including aggravated assault of a federal officer and depredation of federal property; Zambrano-Contreras was charged with improper entry by an alien.
Reports the initial federal criminal charges filed against both Niño-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras following the shooting, and their release from hospital custody into federal custody.
Man shot by Border Patrol in Portland released from hospital, charged with assaulting federal officer · Oregon Public Broadcastingfull articleZambrano-Contreras pleads guilty to illegal entry
Reaction
Zambrano-Contreras pleaded guilty to improper entry by an alien and was sentenced to a year of probation with a nighttime curfew, resolving her portion of the criminal case separately from Niño-Moncada's.
[07]KGW
Source excerpt
Zambrano-Contreras pleaded guilty to improper entry by an alien and was sentenced to a year of probation.
Reports Zambrano-Contreras's guilty plea to the illegal-entry charge and her sentence of probation with a curfew, resolving her portion of the criminal case separately from Niño-Moncada's.
February 2026
Nearby treatment center releases partial surveillance video
Source release
Fora Health, a treatment and recovery center across from the Adventist Health parking lot, publicly released surveillance video offering a partial view of the January 8 shooting, saying it had previously shared the footage with federal authorities. The release came roughly three weeks after the FBI said it had found no video of the incident.
[08]KPTV
Source excerpt
In the interest of transparency, Fora Health is releasing video footage related to a shooting incident that occurred near our East Portland facility on January 8 at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Reports on surveillance video from Fora Health, a nearby treatment center, showing a partial view of the January 8 shooting; the footage had reportedly already been shared with federal authorities before its February 3 public release, weeks after the FBI said it had found no video of the shooting.
New video shows January shooting by Border Patrol in Portland · KPTVfull article, embedded surveillance video from Fora Health
July 2026
Prosecutors drop assault charge and gang-membership allegation
Correction
Federal prosecutors told the court they were not suggesting Niño-Moncada was a gang member, dropped the aggravated-assault-of-a-federal-officer charge, and reached a plea agreement under which he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of depredation of federal property.
[09]Willamette Week
Source excerpt
We're not suggesting -- and we didn't make an argument to the court -- that he's a gang member.
Reports that federal prosecutors dropped the aggravated-assault charge and disclaimed the earlier gang-membership allegation against Niño-Moncada as part of a plea agreement to a lesser property-damage charge.
Feds Retreat From Most Serious Accusations Against Man Shot in Portland by Border Patrol · Willamette Weekfull article, quoting prosecutors' statement in court and plea agreement
September 2026
Defense filing discloses bullet-removal incident at the scene
A defense sentencing memo filed September 11, 2026, and reported after its release on September 13, disclosed that a Portland Police Bureau officer's body camera captured a Border Patrol agent attempting to remove an unfired .223-caliber rifle cartridge from the shooting scene before the officer intervened to preserve the evidence.
[10]KPTV
Source excerpt
PPB bodycam footage shows a PPB officer preventing a border patrol agent from interfering with the full preservation of physical evidence.
Reports on federal court filings, unsealed September 13, 2026, disclosing that a Portland Police Bureau officer's body camera captured a Border Patrol agent attempting to remove an unfired .223-caliber rifle cartridge from the shooting scene before being stopped.
Court filings reveal PPB caught Border Patrol agent picking up bullet at shooting scene · KPTVfull article, quoting federal public defenders' sentencing memoDefense forensic report says the shooter was not in the truck's path
Source release
A forensic engineering report commissioned by Niño-Moncada's federal defenders was made public in a September 11 court filing. It concluded that the truck hit the agents' rental car three times in maneuvers consistent with attempts to flee, and that the agent was not in position to be run into or over when he fired two shots. Federal prosecutors said in their own filing that the report supports the reasonableness of the shooting.
[11]Willamette Week
Source excerpt
The report was submitted to the federal public defender’s office, which represented the truck’s driver, a Venezuelan man named Luis Niño-Moncada. … It says the truck hit the Hyundai three times during the incident. It says the maneuvers were “consistent with attempts to flee the area.” It said two shots were indeed fired by a Border Patrol agent. And when this happened, the shooter was not in position to have been run into or over by the truck. … The feds argued that the report in fact “supports that the shooting officer’s reaction in shooting after the Tacoma nearly ran him over was reasonable in the face of such danger occurring within those brief seconds.” … He says that Niño-Moncada’s position is that the physical evidence and video are most consistent with the following story: The agent shot Niño-Moncada as the agent “moved towards the truck” and while the agent “was not in a position to be hit by the truck; he likely fired to prevent the truck from fleeing rather than in self-defense.”
Willamette Week report on the dueling sentencing filings of September 11, 2026, including a defense forensic report and the federal government's response.
Forensic Report on High-Profile Portland Shooting Undermines Trump Administration Account · Willamette WeekWillamette Week, Sept. 12, 2026Niño-Moncada sentenced to time served, ordered deported
A federal judge sentenced Niño-Moncada to time served, about nine months in custody, plus $24,413 in restitution to the rental car company, after his guilty plea to depredation of federal property. He faces deportation to Venezuela and agreed not to contest removal.
[12]Oregon Public Broadcasting
Source excerpt
Citing physical and video evidence, Niño-Moncada’s defense attorneys argued the Border Patrol officer who shot him that day had moved toward the Toyota and “was not in position to be hit by the truck; he likely fired to prevent the truck from fleeing rather than in self-defense.” … Both sides felt very frightened and at risk.
Reports Niño-Moncada's September 16, 2026 sentencing to time served (about nine months) plus restitution, following his guilty plea to depredation of federal property and the dismissal of the aggravated-assault charge; he faces deportation to Venezuela.
Venezuelan man shot by Border Patrol in Portland sentenced to time served · Oregon Public Broadcastingfull article, quoting Judge Karin Immergut and AUSA Thomas Edmonds
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
23 responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of OregonFederal prosecutors' office for the District of Oregon, announcing a sentencing (U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford made the announcement)Before this statement
According to the release, Border Patrol agents surrounded Niño-Moncada's truck in the parking lot of Adventist Health Portland on January 8, 2026 to arrest him and his passenger, and he drove the truck backward into a government car and then forward into the path of an officer before fleeing. He was sentenced on September 16, 2026 to time served (about nine months), one year of supervised release and $24,413 in restitution, and is to be deported.
"As part of his plea agreement, Nino-Moncada admitted that his conduct placed others at risk of serious bodily injury and that he was conscious of or recklessly disregarded that risk. It was only after defendant struck the government car twice, within just a few feet of the officers’ positions, and with one officer in the path of the truck, that a government officer fired two shots at defendant."
Defended or excusedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon said in its sentencing release that a government officer fired two shots at Luis Niño-Moncada only after his truck struck a government car twice, within a few feet of the officers' positions, with one officer in the path of the truck.
After the statement
The release says Niño-Moncada pleaded guilty on July 28, 2026 to the felony of depredation of federal property, and that the government car was declared a total loss.
Venezuelan National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced for Damaging Government Vehicle · United States Department of JusticeFourth paragraph of the release (the paragraph beginning 'As part of his plea agreement')Why this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. The office's release says Niño-Moncada admitted in his plea that his conduct put others at risk of serious bodily injury. It also says a government officer fired only after his truck struck the government car twice, within a few feet of the officers' positions, with one officer in the path of the truck. That presents the shooting as a response to the driver's conduct near officers, so we labeled it Defended or excused.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of OregonFederal prosecutors' office for the District of Oregon, in a sentencing filing
Before this statement
The filing responded to a defense forensic report concluding that the shooter was not in a position to be run into or over when he fired. Prosecutors said the truck had violently reversed, lurched forward and reversed again within seconds, and that it made contact with an agent's chest as it reversed.
"supports that the shooting officer’s reaction in shooting after the Tacoma nearly ran him over was reasonable in the face of such danger occurring within those brief seconds."
Defended or excusedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
In their September 11 sentencing filing, federal prosecutors in Oregon argued that the defense's own forensic report supports the conclusion that the agent's decision to shoot, after the truck nearly ran him over, was a reasonable reaction to the danger in those few seconds.
After the statement
Prosecutors also said the report failed to make explicit that the events took place within three to five seconds. Both sides recommended the agreed sentence of time served.
Forensic Report on High-Profile Portland Shooting Undermines Trump Administration Account · Willamette WeekWillamette Week, Sept. 12, 2026Why this label?
Reference point: whether the agent was justified in shooting the two. Prosecutors argue that the shooting was a reasonable reaction to an imminent danger, which defends the use of force, so we used Defended or excused. Challenged the characterization is close, but the filing goes beyond disputing the defense's account and affirmatively calls the shooting reasonable. Evidence: a reputable report quoting the court filing; we did not obtain the filing itself. The office's September 16 statement after sentencing is a separate statement.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Michael BensonAssistant Federal Public Defender representing Luis Niño-Moncada Before this statement
The memo was filed on September 11, 2026, ahead of Niño-Moncada's sentencing on his guilty plea to depredation of federal property. It relied in part on a forensic engineering report commissioned by the defense.
"was not in position to be hit by the truck; he likely fired to prevent the truck from fleeing rather than in self-defense."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
In a sentencing memo for Niño-Moncada, Assistant Federal Public Defender Michael Benson and his co-counsel argued that the physical evidence and video were most consistent with the Border Patrol agent not being in a position to be hit by the truck when he fired, and that he likely fired to keep the truck from fleeing rather than in self-defense.
After the statement
The memo said Niño-Moncada had no justification for backing his truck into the empty rental car and that he accepted responsibility for that conduct. It said the order of events would have been closely contested at trial.
Venezuelan man shot by Border Patrol in Portland sentenced to time served · Oregon Public Broadcastingfull article, quoting Judge Karin Immergut and AUSA Thomas EdmondsForensic Report on High-Profile Portland Shooting Undermines Trump Administration Account · Willamette WeekWillamette Week, Sept. 12, 2026Why this label?
Reference point: whether the agent was justified in shooting the two. Benson disputes DHS's description of the shots as self-defense, arguing the agent was out of the truck's path and fired to stop it from leaving, so we used Challenged the characterization. We did not use Condemned because the filing presents this as the defense's reading of contested evidence and does not go on to call the shooting unlawful. We did not use Denied because the same filing admits the truck repeatedly struck the agents' rental car. Evidence: reputable reports quoting the court filing; we did not obtain the filing itself.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alek SkarlatosOregon state representative (R-Winston), speaking at a press conference of Republican legislators in SalemBefore this statement
Skarlatos spoke at a press conference of Republican legislators in Salem on Sunday, January 11, 2026, three days after a Border Patrol agent shot two people in Portland. KGW reported that the Republicans called statements by Democratic leaders inflammatory.
"These are elected leaders statewide. These aren't just random people that are giving these press conferences They are raising the temperature at the worst possible time after what happened in Minneapolis. It should be more of a reason for them to take pause and let the facts come out instead of just jumping on the bandwagon of throwing law enforcement under the bus."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Rep. Alek Skarlatos said the elected officials holding press conferences on the shooting were raising the temperature at the worst possible time. He said they should take pause and let the facts come out instead of jumping on the bandwagon of throwing law enforcement under the bus.
After the statement
At the same press conference Rep. Lucetta Elmer said it was deeply irresponsible for elected officials to politicize an active investigation. KGW reported that the offices of Gov. Tina Kotek and Mayor Keith Wilson did not respond to its requests for comment.
Oregon Republicans respond to Border Patrol shooting in Portland · KGWQuotes from Republican legislators at a Sunday press conference in SalemWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Skarlatos did not address the agent's conduct directly. He said elected officials were raising the temperature and should let the facts come out instead of throwing law enforcement under the bus. That disputes how other officials framed the shooting and does not say the shooting was justified, so we used the label Challenged the characterization.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Lucetta ElmerOregon state representative (R-McMinnville), speaking at a press conference of Republican legislators in Salem Before this statement
Elmer spoke at a press conference of Republican legislators in Salem on Sunday, January 11, 2026, three days after a Border Patrol agent shot two people in Portland. KGW reported that the Republicans called statements by Democratic leaders inflammatory.
"What Oregonians saw over the last 72 hours was not restraint. They saw immediate conclusions, inflammatory rhetoric and public statements made before all the facts were known"
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Rep. Lucetta Elmer said at a press conference of Republican legislators that over the last 72 hours Oregonians saw immediate conclusions, inflammatory rhetoric and public statements made before all the facts were known. She said that was not restraint.
After the statement
At the same press conference Elmer said it was deeply irresponsible for elected officials to politicize an active investigation. KGW reported that the offices of Gov. Tina Kotek and Mayor Keith Wilson did not respond to its requests for comment.
Oregon Republicans respond to Border Patrol shooting in Portland · KGWQuotes from Republican legislators at a Sunday press conference in SalemWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Elmer did not address the agent's conduct directly. She said that over the last 72 hours Oregonians saw immediate conclusions and inflammatory rhetoric before the facts were known. That challenges how other officials responded to the shooting, so we used the label Challenged the characterization.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Bob DayPortland Police ChiefBefore this statement
Day had disclosed that the two people shot had surfaced during an earlier investigation involving Tren de Aragua, while stressing that neither had been named as a suspect in that shooting.
"Nothing that I’ve said today should be warranted in any way to affirm whatever happened yesterday."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Portland Police Chief Bob Day said the pair's possible gang association did not justify treating the federal shooting as affirmed.
After the statement
He warned that the association should not become wholesale approval of the federal agents' actions.
Oregon Capital Chronicle report on Bob Day's January 9 press conferenceParagraphs beginning “With tears in his eyes” and “Even sharing this information,” after the press-conference accountWhy this label?
Day's statement rejects the use of unrelated gang-association information as support for the shooting. Because the case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified, this challenges a characterization used to bolster the federal account without reaching a final legal judgment.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
Kayse JamaOregon Senate majority leaderBefore this statement
Portland officials convened the press conference after two people were shot by federal immigration agents earlier that day.
"outraged and angry and frustrated, as many Oregonians are ... This is Oregon. We do not need you. You're not welcome. And you need to get the hell out of our community."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Oregon Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama expressed outrage after federal agents shot two people in Portland. At the January 8 press conference, he also called for ICE to leave the community.
After the statement
Mayor Keith Wilson, Gov. Tina Kotek and other officials also spoke and called on ICE to halt operations in Portland until a full and independent investigation could take place.
Kayse Jama responds to the Portland federal-agent shootingCity of Portland statement; Kayse Jama remarks after the January 8 press conference.Why this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting two people in Portland. At the city's press conference on the evening of the shooting, Jama said he was outraged, angry and frustrated and told ICE to get out of the community, which sets him against the use of force. He disputed no account and discussed no facts of the shooting; his outrage is tied to the shooting by the occasion, as with Gov. Kotek's remarks at the same event. Challenged the characterization is the closest competing label; it loses because he disputes no description.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Candace AvalosPortland City Councilor for District 1, in a joint statement with Councilors Jamie Dunphy and Loretta SmithBefore this statement
The three District 1 councilors issued the statement on January 8, 2026 (Pacific time), in response to news that federal agents shot and injured two people in the Hazelwood neighborhood. Another statement in the same KATU report identified the agents as U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
"Today ICE shot two of our East Portland neighbors – just one day after an ICE agent shot and killed a Minneapolis mother. We are still waiting for more information at this time, but this is part of a pattern of violence that we have seen too many times across our country. ICE in our communities does not make us safe. It should be crystal clear to everyone that the real threat to community safety is the ICE agents harassing, targeting, detaining — and in some tragic cases — killing our neighbors. This violence is unacceptable, it is criminal, and it is against the constitution of the United States."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Portland City Councilors Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy and Loretta Smith said in a joint statement that ICE shot two of their East Portland neighbors and that it was part of a pattern of violence. They said the violence is unacceptable, criminal and against the U.S. Constitution.
After the statement
The councilors also said in the statement that the federal government would spin the story as it does every time one of its agents hurts a community member. They asked their counterparts at every level of government to help protect Portlanders from aggressive immigration enforcement. About 50 minutes later, Avalos's official Bluesky account said it had not confirmed whether the agents who shot their neighbors were with ICE or with another federal agency.
Politicians respond after two people shot, injured by federal agents in PortlandOfficials' statements, each under the speaker's nameWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. The councilors said ICE shot two of their East Portland neighbors, called it part of a pattern of violence, and said the violence is unacceptable, criminal and against the U.S. Constitution. They rejected the agents' conduct and did not defend it, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jamie DunphyPortland City Councilor for District 1, in a joint statement with Councilors Candace Avalos and Loretta SmithBefore this statement
The three District 1 councilors issued the statement on January 8, 2026, in response to news that federal agents shot and injured two people in the Hazelwood neighborhood. Another statement in the same KATU report identified the agents as U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
"Today ICE shot two of our East Portland neighbors – just one day after an ICE agent shot and killed a Minneapolis mother. We are still waiting for more information at this time, but this is part of a pattern of violence that we have seen too many times across our country. ICE in our communities does not make us safe. It should be crystal clear to everyone that the real threat to community safety is the ICE agents harassing, targeting, detaining — and in some tragic cases — killing our neighbors. This violence is unacceptable, it is criminal, and it is against the constitution of the United States."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Portland City Councilors Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy and Loretta Smith said in a joint statement that ICE shot two of their East Portland neighbors and that it was part of a pattern of violence. They said the violence is unacceptable, criminal and against the U.S. Constitution.
After the statement
The councilors also said in the statement that the federal government would spin the story as it does every time one of its agents hurts a community member. They asked their counterparts at every level of government to help protect Portlanders from aggressive immigration enforcement.
Politicians respond after two people shot, injured by federal agents in PortlandOfficials' statements, each under the speaker's nameWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. The councilors said ICE shot two of their East Portland neighbors, called it part of a pattern of violence, and said the violence is unacceptable, criminal and against the U.S. Constitution. They rejected the agents' conduct and did not defend it, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Loretta SmithPortland City Councilor for District 1Before this statement
Smith spoke at a press conference on the evening of January 8, 2026 (Pacific time) with Mayor Keith Wilson and other local leaders about the shooting of two people by federal agents in a hospital parking lot in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood.
"I live in that district. The struggle is real for immigrants and refugees who live in our communities — what happened today is so unconscionable and another example of the federal administration's overreach. This cannot continue"
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith said she lives in the district where the shooting happened. She said the struggle is real for immigrants and refugees in the community, that what happened was unconscionable and another example of the federal administration's overreach, and that it cannot continue.
After the statement
At the same press conference, local leaders demanded that federal officials halt immigration enforcement activities until a thorough investigation is complete. Police Chief Bob Day said the FBI was leading the effort and that many details remained unclear.
Leaders urge calm and demand halt to ICE operations after federal agents shoot two in SE PortlandSection headed City Councilor Loretta SmithPoliticians respond after two people shot, injured by federal agents in PortlandOfficials' statements, each under the speaker's nameWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Smith said what happened that day was unconscionable and another example of federal overreach, and that it cannot continue. She rejected the federal action and did not defend it, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Suzanne BonamiciU.S. Representative for Oregon's 1st congressional districtBefore this statement
Bonamici posted the statement on January 8, 2026 (Pacific time), the day federal agents shot two people in East Portland and one day after an ICE officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security said U.S. Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop.
"Federal agents just shot two people in Portland. Minneapolis yesterday, Portland today. This violence must stop now. Those responsible must be investigated – and not just by Kash Patel’s FBI — and held accountable. I will do everything I can to put an end to this administration’s lawlessness."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said federal agents had just shot two people in Portland, that this violence must stop now, and that those responsible must be investigated, and not just by Kash Patel's FBI, and held accountable. She said she would do everything she could to put an end to the administration's lawlessness.
After the statement
The Portland Tribune reported that officials said the FBI would lead the investigation.
UPDATE: Federal agents shoot, injure 2 in East PortlandRoundup of officials' statements, each under the speaker's nameSuzanne Bonamici post on Portland shootingTwo-post threadWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Bonamici said federal agents shot two people in Portland, that this violence must stop now, and that those responsible must be investigated and held accountable. She did not defend the shooting, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Dan RayfieldOregon Attorney GeneralBefore this statement
Rayfield's office released the statement on January 8, 2026 (Pacific time), the day a federal officer shot and wounded two people in Portland. The Department of Homeland Security said the driver tried to use the vehicle to run the agents over and that an agent opened fire.
"We are deeply troubled by reports that two people were shot and injured in Portland today during an incident involving federal agents. We have been clear about our concerns with the excessive use of force by federal agents in Portland, and today’s incident only heightens the need for transparency and accountability. Oregonians deserve clear answers when people are injured in their neighborhoods. Our office is closely monitoring this situation and will take appropriate action to protect the rights and safety of Oregonians as more facts come to light."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said he was deeply troubled by reports that two people were shot and injured in Portland during an incident involving federal agents. He said his office had been clear about its concerns over excessive use of force by federal agents in Portland, that the incident heightened the need for transparency and accountability, and that his office would take appropriate action as more facts came to light.
After the statement
Later that evening Rayfield said the Oregon Department of Justice would investigate the shooting. KATU reported that the investigation would look at whether the federal officers acted outside their lawful authority, and that any criminal wrongdoing it found could be referred to the Multnomah County district attorney, his office said.
Attorney General Dan Rayfield Statement on January 8th Shooting in Portland Involving Federal AgentsFull text of the news releaseOregon's attorney general to investigate shooting by federal agent in PortlandOpening paragraphs (investigation announcement) and the paragraphs on DHS's accountWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Rayfield said he was deeply troubled by reports of the shooting, pointed to his office's earlier concerns about excessive use of force by federal agents in Portland, and said the incident heightened the need for transparency and accountability. He did not say what the facts would show about this shooting, but he tied it to those concerns and did not defend the agents' conduct, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jeff MerkleyU.S. Senator for OregonBefore this statement
According to KATU, DHS said the driver tried to run over Border Patrol agents and that one agent fired in self-defense. Just before this passage, Merkley summarized the administration's account as a planned stop, alleged ties to a Venezuelan gang and a car used as a weapon. Merkley spoke the day after the shooting, which came a day after a shooting involving an ICE officer in Minneapolis. In the words between the two parts of the quotation he said the administration had time and again put forward a story that was rapidly proved false, and "this story" in the second part refers to the administration's account of the Portland shooting.
"Those words, by the way, are just an exact echo of the words that were used in Minneapolis. And we have lost trust in the administration to give us the straight scoop on anything. this story may be absolutely accurate. We don't know. And there are no videos as to what happened at that location."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Sen. Jeff Merkley said the administration's account of the Portland shooting used words that echoed those used in Minneapolis, that "we have lost trust in the administration to give us the straight scoop on anything," and that the account may be accurate but there were no videos of what happened at that location.
After the statement
In the same answer Merkley said it was important that state and local officials be involved in the investigation, and he praised the Oregon attorney general for saying he would look into whether the agents followed the law. He also said that an intense investigation with transparency and accountability was incredibly important.
Oregon Sen. Merkley reacts to federal agent shooting 2 people in PortlandVideo, about 1:12 to 1:35 (answer to the host's question about what he has learned about the shooting); the quotation is our transcription of the audioMultnomah County DA, Sen. Merkley speak about CBP shooting in PortlandArticle text on Merkley near the end; the image caption states the DHS accountWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people, and the administration's account is that the driver weaponized his vehicle. In this passage Merkley did not say the shooting was wrong or right. He said the account echoed words used in Minneapolis, that "we have lost trust in the administration to give us the straight scoop on anything," and that the account may be accurate but there were no videos of what happened. He disputes the reliability of the government's description without reaching a conclusion, so we labeled it Challenged the characterization.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tina KotekGovernor of OregonBefore this statement
The statement came the same day as the shooting, after DHS said the agent fired in self-defense and before criminal charges were filed against either victim.
"We are all shaken and outraged by another terrible, unnecessary violent event instigated by the reckless agenda of the Trump administration, this time in our own state, in our largest city."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Governor Tina Kotek called the shooting a terrible, unnecessary violent event and attributed it to the Trump administration's federal immigration-enforcement agenda in Oregon.
After the statement
Kotek's office did not immediately announce a separate state investigation; Oregon's Department of Justice opened its own inquiry into whether CBP agents exceeded their lawful authority.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek reacts to Portland Border Patrol shooting · KGWvideo segment and accompanying written statementWhy this label?
Kotek's statement condemns the shooting itself as unnecessary and violent, attributing responsibility to the federal enforcement operation rather than accepting the agent's self-defense account.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Keith WilsonMayor of Portland, OregonBefore this statement
Wilson's office published the statement at 3:45 p.m. on the afternoon of the shooting, before DHS's gang-tie allegations were publicly walked back and before either victim was formally charged.
"We cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts. Portland is not a "training ground" for militarized agents, and the "full force" threatened by the administration has deadly consequences. As Mayor, I call on ICE to end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the shooting as a consequence of aggressive federal tactics and called on ICE to halt all operations in the city pending a full investigation.
After the statement
ICE and Border Patrol operations continued in the Portland area in the months that followed; Wilson's call to end operations was not adopted by federal authorities.
Portland Mayor Issues Statement Following Hazelwood Neighborhood Shooting · Keith WilsonStatement from Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, published January 8, 2026, 3:45 p.m.Portland Mayor Decries Mounting Bloodshed, Tells ICE to Get Out After Federal Agents Shoot Two · Common Dreamsquoted statement from Mayor Keith WilsonWhy this label?
Wilson's statement condemns the shooting and the federal enforcement posture behind it, explicitly rejecting the premise that Portland should be subject to this kind of force and questioning whether the federal government's account can be trusted.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tricia McLaughlinDHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland SecurityDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Agents shot and wounded Niño-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras during a vehicle stop in a Portland hospital parking lot on the afternoon of January 8, 2026; initial reporting described the pair as unarmed.
"Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired defensive shots... the driver allegedly weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents."
Defended or excusedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the Border Patrol agent fired in self-defense because Niño-Moncada used his truck to try to run over agents during the vehicle stop.
After the statement
Federal prosecutors later told a court they were not suggesting Niño-Moncada was a gang member, and in July 2026 dropped the aggravated-assault charge tied to the alleged vehicle attack, accepting a guilty plea to a lesser property-damage charge instead.
2 people shot by Border Patrol agent in Portland identified by DHS · NBC Newsparagraphs quoting DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlinWhy this label?
McLaughlin's statement defends the agent's decision to shoot by characterizing the driver's actions as a deadly threat that justified defensive force, directly excusing the use of force at issue in this case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ron WydenUnited States Senator for OregonBefore this statement
Wyden posted within hours of the shooting, before DHS's account, the criminal charges, or any of the case's later evidentiary developments were public.
"I'm monitoring the first awful reports of two people shot in Portland by federal law enforcement. I'll keep you updated, but Trump's deployment of federal agents in my hometown is clearly inflaming violence -- and must end."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Senator Ron Wyden said the shooting showed that the deployment of federal agents in Portland was inflaming violence and called for it to end.
After the statement
Wyden continued to call for the withdrawal of federal agents from Portland in the following months as the criminal cases against Niño-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras proceeded.
Ron Wyden post on Portland shooting · Ron Wydensingle postWhy this label?
Wyden's post condemns the federal deployment that led to the shooting, characterizing it as a cause of violence rather than a justified law-enforcement response.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Val HoyleU.S. Representative for Oregon's 4th congressional districtBefore this statement
Hoyle's office issued the statement on January 8, 2026, the day of the shooting and a day after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis. It opened by saying she felt angry, exhausted and helpless and that the facts had to be investigated urgently.
"We cannot allow these acts of violence to be normalized. Over the past year, the actions of Trump’s federal immigration forces and propaganda machine have shown us that they have gone beyond making our neighborhoods safer, inciting violence and ripping families apart."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
In a statement on the day of the shooting, Rep. Val Hoyle said two people had been shot by DHS, called for an urgent investigation of the facts, and said such acts of violence must not be normalized. She called for de-escalation and for ICE to leave Portland.
After the statement
The statement closed with a call for de-escalation and for ICE to leave Portland.
Rep. Hoyle's statement on Portland shooting · Val HoylePress release, January 8, 2026Why this label?
Reference point: whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting Niño-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras. Hoyle treats the shooting as one of the acts of violence that must not be normalized and demands that ICE leave Portland, which criticizes the use of force, so we used Condemned. We did not use Mixed or conditional because her call to investigate the facts accompanies her criticism rather than conditioning it. Evidence: primary, her office's press release.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Christine DrazanOregon state senator (R-Canby) and candidate for governorBefore this statement
Drazan sent the statement on January 8, 2026, the day federal agents shot and injured two people in Southeast Portland. The Department of Homeland Security said the victims were reportedly involved with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
"I am disappointed, but not surprised, to see our state’s politicians rush to judgment and treat dangerous criminals like victims. I want law enforcement to arrest transnational Tren de Aragua gang members and take them off our streets, end human trafficking, and make our communities safer. An investigation is underway. That investigation will determine whether today's use of force was warranted. The last thing we need in a moment like this is a bunch of grandstanding politicians exploiting this situation and inciting fear to advance their own political agendas."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
State Sen. Christine Drazan said she was disappointed but not surprised that state politicians rushed to judgment and treated dangerous criminals like victims. She said an investigation would determine whether the use of force was warranted and criticized politicians she described as grandstanding and inciting fear.
After the statement
The Portland Tribune reported that officials said the FBI would lead the investigation.
Politicians respond after two people shot, injured by federal agents in PortlandOfficials' statements, each under the speaker's nameUPDATE: Federal agents shoot, injure 2 in East PortlandRoundup of officials' statements, each under the speaker's nameWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Drazan said an investigation would determine whether the use of force was warranted, which leaves that question open. In the same statement she said state politicians had rushed to judgment and treated dangerous criminals like victims, and that she wants law enforcement to arrest Tren de Aragua gang members. She left the use-of-force question to the investigation while criticizing the agent's critics, so we used the label Mixed or conditional.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Julia Brim-EdwardsMultnomah County Commissioner for District 3Before this statement
Brim-Edwards issued the statement on January 8, 2026, the day federal agents shot two people in East Portland. She is one of the five signers of the Board of Commissioners' joint release the same day.
"As an East Portlander, it is heartbreaking and infuriating to hear of today’s shooting by federal agents. My thoughts are with the individuals involved and their families. We are awaiting for more information about the shootings, but I want to emphasize that Oregon is a welcoming and safe place for everyone. The increased federal violence by the Trump administration undermines the rule of law and makes our community less safe. The County and our community will not stand by silently as federal agents escalate the level of violence in our community."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards said it was heartbreaking and infuriating to hear of the shooting by federal agents. She said the increased federal violence undermines the rule of law and makes the community less safe, and that the county and community will not stand by silently.
After the statement
The Portland Tribune reported that officials said the FBI would lead the investigation.
UPDATE: Federal agents shoot, injure 2 in East PortlandRoundup of officials' statements, each under the speaker's nameWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Brim-Edwards called the shooting by federal agents heartbreaking and infuriating and said the increased federal violence undermines the rule of law and makes the community less safe. She criticized the federal conduct and did not defend it, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Multnomah County Board of CommissionersGoverning board of Multnomah County, in a release signed by Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Commissioners Meghan Moyer, Shannon Singleton, Julia Brim-Edwards and Vince Jones-Dixon Before this statement
The board issued the release on January 8, 2026, the afternoon federal Customs and Border Protection agents shot two people in East Portland, according to the release. It said the county was in close coordination with government partners and law enforcement and encouraged patience in sharing information to ensure accuracy.
"What we can say now is enough is enough. The terror and violence ICE is causing in our neighborhoods must end now. The County will not stand by as the federal government attacks our neighbors. We stand united in our support for our immigrant and refugee neighbors. Just this morning, we unanimously voted to extend an emergency declaration in response to the ongoing harm caused by ICE activity, and we will keep showing up every way we can. We know County residents are angry. We are angry. Portlanders have a proud tradition of opposing injustice through nonviolent protest, and we encourage our community to keep showing up as they have been to oppose this horrific violence."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners said in a joint release that enough is enough and that the terror and violence ICE is causing in county neighborhoods must end now. It said the county will not stand by as the federal government attacks its neighbors and that the commissioners share residents' anger.
After the statement
The release said the board was holding the families and communities of those affected in its thoughts. It encouraged residents to keep showing up as they have been to oppose the violence and said the community must stand together.
Why this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. The board said federal Customs and Border Protection agents shot two people, that the terror and violence ICE is causing in county neighborhoods must end now, and that it encourages residents to keep showing up to oppose this horrific violence. It also encouraged patience in sharing information to ensure accuracy, but it criticized the federal conduct and did not defend it, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Janelle BynumU.S. Representative for Oregon's 5th congressional districtBefore this statement
Bynum's office issued the statement on January 8, 2026, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents shot two people in Portland. One day earlier an ICE officer had shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.
"This isn’t law enforcement, it’s state-sponsored terrorism Stop fucking with us. This is the second shooting this week by agents following the orders of a wannabe dictator who is trying to take over cities and rule by instilling terror in the hearts of American people. When the President deployed his guardsmen to our city earlier this year, we told him their presence was unwelcome and unhelpful. Today, we saw just how dangerous this is – we need these goons gone. Get to steppin’."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Rep. Janelle Bynum called the shooting state-sponsored terrorism and said it was not law enforcement. She said it was the second shooting that week by agents following the orders of a "wannabe dictator," and that she wants the agents gone.
After the statement
The Portland Tribune reported that officials said the FBI would lead the investigation. The Department of Homeland Security said the driver had tried to run over the agents and that an agent fired defensive shots.
Congresswoman Bynum: “This Isn’t Law Enforcement, It’s State-Sponsored Terrorism”Body of the press releaseUPDATE: Federal agents shoot, injure 2 in East PortlandRoundup of officials' statements, each under the speaker's nameWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Bynum called the shooting state-sponsored terrorism, said it was not law enforcement, and said the agents needed to be gone. She rejected the agents' conduct outright, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Maxine DexterU.S. Representative for Oregon's 3rd congressional districtBefore this statement
Dexter issued the statement on January 8, 2026, the day after an ICE officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis. She said she had received reports that two people in her district were shot by federal immigration officials that afternoon in East Portland.
"ICE has done nothing but inject terror, chaos, and cruelty into our communities. Trump’s immigration machine is using violence to control our communities—straight out of the authoritarian playbook. ICE must immediately end all active operations in Portland."
CondemnedCase context: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
Full statement and sources
Rep. Maxine Dexter said ICE has done nothing but inject terror, chaos and cruelty into communities and that federal immigration enforcement is using violence to control them. She said ICE must immediately end all active operations in Portland.
After the statement
Dexter also said she was demanding full accountability and transparency, and that there must be a comprehensive investigation without Trump's interference. She asked the community to stay calm and said local law enforcement must be allowed to do its work.
Dexter Statement on Shooting in PortlandBody of the press releasePoliticians respond after two people shot, injured by federal agents in PortlandOfficials' statements, each under the speaker's nameUPDATE: Federal agents shoot, injure 2 in East PortlandRoundup of officials' statements, each under the speaker's nameWhy this label?
The case asks whether the Border Patrol agent was justified in shooting the two people. Dexter said federal immigration officials shot two people in her district, then said ICE has injected terror, chaos and cruelty into communities and must end all active operations in Portland. She criticized the federal conduct behind the shooting and did not defend it, so we used the label Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(32)
Reporting
2 people shot by Border Patrol agent in Portland identified by DHS
Relevant passage: paragraphs quoting DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin
Excerpt
"Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired defensive shots. ... the driver allegedly "weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.""
About this source
Reporting quoting DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin's official account of the January 8, 2026 shooting, including the self-defense and 'weaponized his vehicle' characterization; also gives shooting time/location and initial victim identification.
- Author
- NBC News staff
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Kayse Jama responds to the Portland federal-agent shooting
Relevant passage: City of Portland statement; Kayse Jama remarks after the January 8 press conference.
About this source
Jama's response at the January 8 press conference.
- Author
- City of Portland
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Forensic Report on High-Profile Portland Shooting Undermines Trump Administration Account
Relevant passage: Willamette Week, Sept. 12, 2026
Excerpt
"The report was submitted to the federal public defender’s office, which represented the truck’s driver, a Venezuelan man named Luis Niño-Moncada. … It says the truck hit the Hyundai three times during the incident. It says the maneuvers were “consistent with attempts to flee the area.” It said two shots were indeed fired by a Border Patrol agent. And when this happened, the shooter was not in position to have been run into or over by the truck. … The feds argued that the report in fact “supports that the shooting officer’s reaction in shooting after the Tacoma nearly ran him over was reasonable in the face of such danger occurring within those brief seconds.” … He says that Niño-Moncada’s position is that the physical evidence and video are most consistent with the following story: The agent shot Niño-Moncada as the agent “moved towards the truck” and while the agent “was not in a position to be hit by the truck; he likely fired to prevent the truck from fleeing rather than in self-defense.”"
About this source
Willamette Week report on the dueling sentencing filings of September 11, 2026, including a defense forensic report and the federal government's response.
- Author
- Andrew Schwartz
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Rep. Hoyle's statement on Portland shooting
Relevant passage: Press release, January 8, 2026
Excerpt
""Two people were shot today by DHS. Part of me feels angry. Part of me feels exhausted. And part of me feels helpless. But I do know this: we can’t give up. We have to urgently investigate the facts and make our voices heard peacefully," said Rep. Hoyle. "We cannot allow these acts of violence to be normalized. Over the past year, the actions of Trump’s federal immigration forces and propaganda machine have shown us that they have gone beyond making our neighborhoods safer, inciting violence and ripping families apart. We need deescalation and ICE out of Portland now.""
About this source
Hoyle's official statement issued the day of the Portland shooting.
- Author
- Office of Rep. Val Hoyle
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Oregon officials launch probe after Border Patrol agents shoot 2 in Portland
Relevant passage: The Washington Post, via Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 9, 2026
Excerpt
"“We have been clear about our concerns with excessive use of force by federal agents in Portland and nationally,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield (D) wrote on social media late Thursday, adding that his office was opening a formal investigation to examine whether “any federal officer acted outside the scope of their lawful authority.”"
About this source
Washington Post report on the first day of official responses to the Portland shooting.
- Author
- Casey Parks, Daniel Wu, Andrew Jeong
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
MEDIA RELEASE: Board of Commissioners releases statement on federal shooting in East Portland
Relevant passage: Body of the release
Excerpt
"What we can say now is enough is enough. The terror and violence ICE is causing in our neighborhoods must end now."
About this source
Multnomah County media release from the Board of County Commissioners, dated January 8, 2026.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Leaders urge calm and demand halt to ICE operations after federal agents shoot two in SE Portland
Relevant passage: Section headed City Councilor Loretta Smith
Excerpt
"what happened today is so unconscionable and another example of the federal administration's overreach. This cannot continue"
About this source
City of Portland news article on the January 8, 2026 press conference by local leaders, with statements from officials.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Congresswoman Bynum: “This Isn’t Law Enforcement, It’s State-Sponsored Terrorism”
Relevant passage: Body of the press release
Excerpt
"Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) released the following statement after U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents shot two people in Portland."
About this source
Press release from Rep. Janelle Bynum's congressional office, dated January 8, 2026.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Oregon's attorney general to investigate shooting by federal agent in Portland
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs (investigation announcement) and the paragraphs on DHS's account
Excerpt
"Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said on Thursday night that the state Department of Justice will investigate a shooting by a federal officer in the city of Portland earlier in the day that wounded two people."
About this source
KATU report published the evening of January 8, 2026 on the Oregon Department of Justice's decision to investigate the shooting.
- Author
- Steve Benham, KATU
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Attorney General Dan Rayfield Statement on January 8th Shooting in Portland Involving Federal Agents
Relevant passage: Full text of the news release
Excerpt
"We are deeply troubled by reports that two people were shot and injured in Portland today during an incident involving federal agents."
About this source
News release from the Oregon Department of Justice, issued by Attorney General Dan Rayfield on January 8, 2026.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Oregon Republicans respond to Border Patrol shooting in Portland
Relevant passage: Quotes from Republican legislators at a Sunday press conference in Salem
Excerpt
"They held a press conference Sunday morning to share their thoughts on the incident."
About this source
KGW report on a press conference held by Republican legislators in Salem on January 11, 2026.
- Author
- Jake Holter
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Councilor Candace Avalos post on which federal agency was involved
Relevant passage: Single post
Excerpt
"We have not confirmed that the agents who shot our neighbors were with ICE or if they were with another federal agency."
About this source
Post from the official Bluesky account of Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos on the evening of the shooting.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Suzanne Bonamici post on Portland shooting
Relevant passage: Two-post thread
Excerpt
"Federal agents just shot two people in Portland. Minneapolis yesterday, Portland today. This violence must stop now."
About this source
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici's own posts on Bluesky reacting to the shooting on the day it occurred.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
UPDATE: Federal agents shoot, injure 2 in East Portland
Relevant passage: Roundup of officials' statements, each under the speaker's name
Excerpt
"Local and state officials have released the following statements:"
About this source
Portland Tribune report on the shooting that collects statements from local, state and federal officials.
- Author
- Hannah Seibold
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Politicians respond after two people shot, injured by federal agents in Portland
Relevant passage: Officials' statements, each under the speaker's name
Excerpt
"Local politicians were quick to issue statements responding to the shooting in Portland."
About this source
KATU report that collects statements from Oregon officials on the day of the shooting.
- Author
- KATU Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Dexter Statement on Shooting in Portland
Relevant passage: Body of the press release
Excerpt
"Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) issued the following statement on the shooting of two individuals in Portland by immigration enforcement agents:"
About this source
Press release from Rep. Maxine Dexter's congressional office, dated January 8, 2026.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Multnomah County DA, Sen. Merkley speak about CBP shooting in Portland
Relevant passage: Article text on Merkley near the end; the image caption states the DHS account
Excerpt
"He called for a thorough investigation, and stressed the need for transparency and accountability."
About this source
KATU's write-up of its January 11, 2026 Your Voice, Your Vote segment with the Multnomah County District Attorney and Sen. Merkley, with links to both interviews.
- Author
- KATU News
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Oregon Sen. Merkley reacts to federal agent shooting 2 people in Portland
Sen. Jeff Merkley speaks about the Border Patrol shooting of two people in Portland, in a KATU interview, January 2026.
Excerpt from 1:25 to 2:06 of the KATU video. Taken from KATU's own video page, a cut of the same interview as the KATU YouTube upload cited for this source. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: KATU. Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Video, about 1:12 to 1:35 (answer to the host's question about what he has learned about the shooting); the quotation is our transcription of the audio)
Excerpt
"this story may be absolutely accurate. We don't know. And there are no videos as to what happened at that location."
About this source
KATU News interview with Sen. Jeff Merkley about the January 8, 2026 shooting in Portland, posted on KATU's YouTube channel and aired in its Your Voice, Your Vote program.
- Author
- KATU News
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Venezuelan National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced for Damaging Government Vehicle
Relevant passage: Fourth paragraph of the release (the paragraph beginning 'As part of his plea agreement')
Excerpt
"It was only after defendant struck the government car twice, within just a few feet of the officers’ positions, and with one officer in the path of the truck, that a government officer fired two shots at defendant."
About this source
Press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon dated September 16, 2026, announcing the sentencing of Luis Niño-Moncada. It gives the office's account of the January 8, 2026 stop and of the plea agreement.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Portland Mayor Issues Statement Following Hazelwood Neighborhood Shooting
Relevant passage: Statement from Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, published January 8, 2026, 3:45 p.m.
Excerpt
"We cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts. Portland is not a "training ground" for militarized agents, and the "full force" threatened by the administration has deadly consequences. As Mayor, I call on ICE to end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed."
About this source
Mayor Keith Wilson's statement on the city's website, published at 3:45 p.m. on January 8, 2026, the afternoon of the shooting in the Hazelwood neighborhood. It calls on ICE to end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed.
- Author
- Keith Wilson
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Oregon Capital Chronicle report on Bob Day's January 9 press conference
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning “With tears in his eyes” and “Even sharing this information,” after the press-conference account
Excerpt
"Nothing that I’ve said today should be warranted in any way to affirm whatever happened yesterday."
About this source
The report quotes Portland Police Chief Bob Day's January 9 press conference and distinguishes the pair's possible gang association from any justification for the shooting.
- Author
- Julia Shumway, Alex Baumhardt, Mia Maldonado, and Shaanth Nanguneri
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
PPB Monitors Protest Activity Near ICE Facility; Six Arrests Made
Relevant passage: full press release
Excerpt
"Six people were arrested on charges including riot, disorderly conduct in the second degree, and interfering with a peace officer."
About this source
Portland Police Bureau's official account of protest activity near the Portland ICE facility on the night of January 8-9, 2026, following the shooting, including the six arrests.
- Author
- Portland Police Bureau
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Woman shot by Border Patrol in Southeast Portland pleads guilty to illegally entering the US
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"Zambrano-Contreras pleaded guilty to improper entry by an alien and was sentenced to a year of probation."
About this source
Reports Zambrano-Contreras's guilty plea to the illegal-entry charge and her sentence of probation with a curfew, resolving her portion of the criminal case separately from Niño-Moncada's.
- Author
- KGW staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Venezuelan man shot by Border Patrol in Portland sentenced to time served
Relevant passage: full article, quoting Judge Karin Immergut and AUSA Thomas Edmonds
Excerpt
"Citing physical and video evidence, Niño-Moncada’s defense attorneys argued the Border Patrol officer who shot him that day had moved toward the Toyota and “was not in position to be hit by the truck; he likely fired to prevent the truck from fleeing rather than in self-defense.” … Both sides felt very frightened and at risk."
About this source
Reports Niño-Moncada's September 16, 2026 sentencing to time served (about nine months) plus restitution, following his guilty plea to depredation of federal property and the dismissal of the aggravated-assault charge; he faces deportation to Venezuela.
- Author
- OPB staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Feds Retreat From Most Serious Accusations Against Man Shot in Portland by Border Patrol
Relevant passage: full article, quoting prosecutors' statement in court and plea agreement
Excerpt
"We're not suggesting -- and we didn't make an argument to the court -- that he's a gang member."
About this source
Reports that federal prosecutors dropped the aggravated-assault charge and disclaimed the earlier gang-membership allegation against Niño-Moncada as part of a plea agreement to a lesser property-damage charge.
- Author
- Willamette Week staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Court filings reveal PPB caught Border Patrol agent picking up bullet at shooting scene
Relevant passage: full article, quoting federal public defenders' sentencing memo
Excerpt
"PPB bodycam footage shows a PPB officer preventing a border patrol agent from interfering with the full preservation of physical evidence."
About this source
Reports on federal court filings, unsealed September 13, 2026, disclosing that a Portland Police Bureau officer's body camera captured a Border Patrol agent attempting to remove an unfired .223-caliber rifle cartridge from the shooting scene before being stopped.
- Author
- KPTV staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
FBI says it has found no video of Border Patrol agent shooting 2 people in Oregon
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"None of the six agents was recording body camera footage, and investigators have uncovered no surveillance or other video footage of the shooting."
About this source
Reports the FBI's court filing stating it had found no video of the shooting as of January 12, 2026, before the Fora Health surveillance footage was later disclosed in February 2026.
- Author
- Associated Press
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
New video shows January shooting by Border Patrol in Portland
Relevant passage: full article, embedded surveillance video from Fora Health
Excerpt
"In the interest of transparency, Fora Health is releasing video footage related to a shooting incident that occurred near our East Portland facility on January 8 at approximately 2:00 p.m."
About this source
Reports on surveillance video from Fora Health, a nearby treatment center, showing a partial view of the January 8 shooting; the footage had reportedly already been shared with federal authorities before its February 3 public release, weeks after the FBI said it had found no video of the shooting.
- Author
- KPTV staff
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ron Wyden post on Portland shooting
Excerpt
"I'm monitoring the first awful reports of two people shot in Portland by federal law enforcement. I'll keep you updated, but Trump's deployment of federal agents in my hometown is clearly inflaming violence -- and must end."
About this source
Senator Ron Wyden's own post reacting to the shooting on the day it occurred, characterizing federal agent deployment in Portland as inflaming violence.
- Author
- Ron Wyden
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Portland Mayor Decries Mounting Bloodshed, Tells ICE to Get Out After Federal Agents Shoot Two
Relevant passage: quoted statement from Mayor Keith Wilson
Excerpt
"We cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts. Portland is not a 'training ground' for militarized agents, and the 'full force' threatened by the administration has deadly consequences. As mayor, I call on ICE to end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed."
About this source
Reports Portland Mayor Keith Wilson's statement following the shooting, calling on ICE to halt operations in Portland pending investigation and questioning the federal government's account.
- Author
- Common Dreams staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek reacts to Portland Border Patrol shooting
Relevant passage: video segment and accompanying written statement
Excerpt
"We are all shaken and outraged by another terrible, unnecessary violent event instigated by the reckless agenda of the Trump administration, this time in our own state, in our largest city."
About this source
Carries Governor Tina Kotek's written statement reacting to the January 8, 2026 shooting, attributing it to federal immigration-enforcement policy under the Trump administration.
- Author
- KGW staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Man shot by Border Patrol in Portland released from hospital, charged with assaulting federal officer
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"Nino-Moncada was indicted on charges including aggravated assault of a federal officer and depredation of federal property; Zambrano-Contreras was charged with improper entry by an alien."
About this source
Reports the initial federal criminal charges filed against both Niño-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras following the shooting, and their release from hospital custody into federal custody.
- Author
- OPB staff
- Published
- Accessed
Corrections
(1)
Corrections address errors in our reporting or labels. When a speaker changes their position, we add a separate statement and link it to the earlier one.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
- Previous language
- Federal court filings unsealed September 13, 2026 disclosed that a Portland Police Bureau officer's body camera captured a Border Patrol agent attempting to remove an unfired .223-caliber rifle cartridge from the shooting scene before the officer intervened to preserve the evidence.
- Corrected language
- A defense sentencing memo filed September 11, 2026, and reported after its release on September 13, disclosed that a Portland Police Bureau officer's body camera captured a Border Patrol agent attempting to remove an unfired .223-caliber rifle cartridge from the shooting scene before the officer intervened to preserve the evidence.
We dated the disclosure to court filings unsealed September 13, 2026. KPTV and OPB report that the information came from a defense sentencing memo filed Friday, September 11; KPTV reported it on September 13. The timeline entry is now dated September 11 and describes the filing.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports on federal court filings, unsealed September 13, 2026, disclosing that a Portland Police Bureau officer's body camera captured a Border Patrol agent attempting to remove an unfired .223-caliber rifle cartridge from the shooting scene before being stopped.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Reports Niño-Moncada's September 16, 2026 sentencing to time served (about nine months) plus restitution, following his guilty plea to depredation of federal property and the dismissal of the aggravated-assault charge; he faces deportation to Venezuela.
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Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/border-patrol-shooting-nino-moncada-zambrano-contreras-portland
The Dispute Index. "Was a Border Patrol agent justified in shooting Luis David Niño-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras in Portland?". First published: 2026-07-13. Last updated: 2026-10-06. https://disputeindex.com/cases/border-patrol-shooting-nino-moncada-zambrano-contreras-portland