U.S. federal immigration authorities shot and injured two individuals in Portland, Oregon, as reported by officials on Thursday. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the passenger in the vehicle as a “Venezuelan illegal alien associated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring,” who was reportedly linked to a recent shooting in Portland. According to the DHS, when agents approached the vehicle’s occupants on Thursday afternoon, the driver attempted to strike them with the vehicle, prompting an agent to fire a defensive shot out of concern for safety.
The sequence of events provided by the department lacked immediate independent verification, including the alleged gang ties of the individuals in the vehicle. Video evidence from previous incidents involving federal agents under President Trump’s immigration enforcement initiative in U.S. cities has raised doubts about the accuracy of initial accounts regarding the circumstances leading to such shootings.
President Trump and his supporters have consistently pointed fingers at Tren de Aragua for fueling violence and drug-related crimes in certain U.S. cities. The Portland Police Bureau initially responded to a shooting report near a hospital around 2:18 p.m. local time, subsequently receiving information that a man injured in the incident sought help in a residential area a couple of kilometers away where two people were discovered with gunshot wounds believed to be related to the federal agents’ shooting.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, along with the city council, called for a halt to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations in Portland until a thorough investigation is conducted. Mayor Wilson expressed skepticism toward the federal government’s version of events, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of constitutional rights amidst growing unrest.
Portland authorities, including U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and unity in the community during this challenging period. They condemned federal militarization, stressing the preservation of civil and human rights as a top priority in Portland.
The shooting incident in Portland raised tensions following a similar event in Minneapolis involving an ICE officer fatally shooting a woman. The Portland Police Chief confirmed that the FBI was leading the investigation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the shooting.