Federal agents, specifically U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, shot and wounded a man and woman in Portland, Oregon, on January 8, 2026, during a targeted stop related to suspected gang activity. The incident occurred around 2:15-2:19 p.m. near the 10000 block of Southeast Main Street in East Portland, after which the victims drove about three miles before calling for help.​
Incident Details
Portland Police Bureau officers arrived at 2:18-2:24 p.m. to find the pair with apparent gunshot wounds, applied a tourniquet, and transported them to a hospital; their conditions remain unknown. The Department of Homeland Security stated the driver attempted to run over agents after they identified themselves, prompting defensive gunfire from one agent. Local police confirmed federal involvement but did not participate, emphasizing they avoid immigration enforcement.​
Official Statements
DHS described the passenger as a Venezuelan national linked to the Tren de Aragua gang and a prior Portland shooting, though this lacks independent verification. Portland Police Chief Bob Day noted the investigation’s early stage and urged calm amid tensions from a similar ICE shooting in Minneapolis the day before. Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the event, calling for ICE to halt operations in the city pending a full probe.​
Broader Context
The Portland shooting followed the fatal January 7 shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, which sparked protests. The FBI is leading the Portland investigation, with details still emerging as of January 9, 2026. Local leaders, including councilors, expressed alarm over escalating federal-local tensions.
