Details of a Portland shooting emerged Thursday after federal agents shot two people during a violent encounter involving a vehicle allegedly used as a weapon against law enforcement. The incident unfolded in southeast Portland and involved U.S. Border Patrol agents operating under the Department of Homeland Security.
According to DHS, Border Patrol agents stopped a vehicle at 2:19 p.m. local time. When agents identified themselves, the driver allegedly attempted to run them over. DHS said the driver is believed to be a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and was also allegedly linked to a recent shooting in the city. “Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot,” DHS stated.
The driver fled the scene with a passenger. Minutes later, Portland Police Bureau officers responded to reports of a shooting at Southeast Main Street and confirmed federal agents were involved. At 2:24 p.m., officers located a man and woman suffering from apparent gunshot wounds near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside. Both were transported to a hospital. Their conditions remain unknown.
Police secured both locations as the investigation continued. No arrests have been announced. PPB Chief Bob Day said, “We are still in the early stages of this incident,” and urged calm, citing heightened tensions nationwide.
City officials emphasized that Portland police were not involved and “do not engage in immigration enforcement.” FBI agents were photographed at the scene as federal authorities took part in the response.
Sen. Ron Wyden criticized President Trump’s federal deployment, writing, “Trump’s deployment of federal agents in my hometown is clearly inflaming violence–and must end.”
