Gang Encounter Ends in Gunfire

Three police officers standing on a city street.

Border Patrol agents shot two Venezuelan nationals linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang during a vehicle stop in Portland, marking the first confirmed presence of this international criminal organization in the city.

Story Highlights

Two illegal immigrants with Tren de Aragua ties shot by Border Patrol after allegedly weaponizing their vehicle
Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras both entered U.S. illegally in 2022 and 2023
Suspects connected to prior shooting investigation and prostitution ring operations
Immediate protests erupted outside ICE facility with six arrests following the incident

Venezuelan Gang Members Confront Federal Agents

Border Patrol agents shot Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras during a vehicle stop near Southeast Main Street on January 8, 2026. DHS officials stated the Venezuelan nationals weaponized their vehicle against agents, forcing them to fire in self-defense. Both suspects survived surgery and remain in federal custody, with Nino-Moncada suffering an arm wound and Zambrano-Contreras shot in the chest.

Criminal History Reveals Pattern of Violence

Nino-Moncada entered the U.S. 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. Their criminal partnership escalated in November 2025 when Nino-Moncada obtained a protective order against Zambrano-Contreras, alleging she struck him with her car and threatened to kill him. The pair violated this order by remaining together.

Gang Connections Surface Through Investigation

Portland Police linked both suspects to Tren de Aragua through a July 2025 shooting investigation in Northeast Portland. The Venezuelan victim in that case identified connections between the suspects and the international gang, though neither faced charges. Police Chief Bob Day confirmed their “association” with Tren de Aragua but emphasized they were not named suspects in the original shooting. This incident represents the first confirmed TdA presence in Portland despite previous official denials.

Federal Response Meets Resistance

Protests erupted outside the ICE facility within hours of the shooting, resulting in six arrests as activists condemned what they characterized as excessive force. Defense attorneys disputed the police narrative, challenging claims that the suspects posed a legitimate threat. The incident highlights growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities as Border Patrol agents face increasing assaults nationwide, according to DHS statistics.

Pics: 2 Venezuelan gang members shot by Border Patrol in Portland https://t.co/rnYRgO09r6 pic.twitter.com/RQSzw51EZL

— American Military News (@AmerMilNews) January 12, 2026

The shooting underscores the serious threat posed by Tren de Aragua’s expansion into American cities. This Venezuelan prison gang has spread internationally through extortion, violence, and human trafficking operations. Federal authorities now hold both suspects as the FBI continues its investigation, while the Multnomah County District Attorney reviews potential charges. This case demonstrates the critical importance of robust border security and immigration enforcement in protecting American communities from international criminal organizations.