Gang Members WEAPONIZE Vehicle Against Feds

Police tape blocking street with patrol cars.

Border Patrol agents shot two Venezuelan nationals with confirmed ties to the deadly Tren de Aragua gang during a Portland vehicle stop, marking the first official confirmation of the international criminal organization’s presence in the Pacific Northwest.

Story Highlights

Two Venezuelan nationals with Tren de Aragua gang ties shot by Border Patrol during Portland vehicle stop
Both suspects entered U.S. illegally and have prior criminal histories including DUI and prostitution arrests
DHS confirms gang connections after Portland Police initially denied local TdA presence
Immediate protests erupted with six arrests as activists claim excessive force

Gang Members Confronted During Enforcement Operation

U.S. Border Patrol agents shot Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras on January 8, 2026, during a vehicle stop in East Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood. DHS officials stated the pair “weaponized their vehicle” against federal agents, forcing officers to fire in self-defense. Both suspects survived surgery and remain in stable condition under federal custody, with Nino-Moncada now detained by the FBI after hospital release.

Criminal History Reveals Pattern of Illegal Activity

Immigration records show Nino-Moncada entered the United States illegally in 2022 and accumulated arrests for DUI and unauthorized vehicle use. Zambrano-Contreras crossed the border illegally in 2023 and faced prostitution-related charges in Washington County. The pair were previously connected to a July 2025 Northeast Portland shooting investigation, where a Venezuelan victim identified them as having Tren de Aragua associations.

Portland Officials Initially Denied Gang Presence

Portland Police Chief Bob Day initially denied any local Tren de Aragua activity but reversed his position during a January 9 press conference, confirming the suspects’ “nexus” to the Venezuelan prison gang. The organization has expanded internationally from its origins in Venezuelan correctional facilities, engaging in extortion, shootings, and human trafficking operations across multiple countries including the United States.

Federal Action Exposes Local Security Gaps

The shooting highlights significant intelligence gaps between federal and local law enforcement regarding gang infiltration. Despite the suspects’ involvement in a prior shooting investigation and Zambrano-Contreras’ alleged participation in prostitution rings, no formal charges had been filed against either individual. A November 2025 protective order filed by Nino-Moncada against Zambrano-Contreras, alleging vehicular assault and death threats, was violated when they were found together during the Border Patrol stop.

This incident represents the first confirmed Tren de Aragua presence in Portland, validating federal concerns about transnational gang migration through porous border security. The swift federal response contrasts sharply with local officials’ apparent lack of awareness, underscoring the critical importance of enhanced immigration enforcement under the Trump administration’s renewed border security initiatives.