U.S. Border Patrol Agents Shoot Husband and Wife Linked to Venezuelan Gang in Portland During Traffic Stop

Portland, Oregon officials confirmed that U.S. Border Patrol agents shot a man and a woman Thursday afternoon during a traffic stop in East Portland. Authorities say the pair are connected to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and were wanted in relation to sex trafficking and prior violent incidents.

The shooting occurred around 2:18 p.m. near Southeast Main Street and I-205, in the parking lot of Adventist Health Portland, according to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB). Police confirmed that federal agents, not local officers, were involved.

A Homeland Security Department spokesperson said the agents were conducting a “targeted vehicle stop” when the driver allegedly attempted to use the vehicle to strike law enforcement officers. Fearing for their safety, one agent fired in self-defense. Both the driver and passenger were struck by gunfire and later located by Portland police near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside.

“The driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents. Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot,” the agency stated. The man and woman were taken to a nearby hospital; their conditions have not been publicly released.

According to federal sources, the male and female occupants of the vehicle are linked to Tren de Aragua, a transnational gang originating in Venezuela that has been implicated in prostitution, trafficking, and violent crimes. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that U.S. Border Patrol, not ICE, conducted the operation.

The incident coincided with an anti-ICE protest downtown, prompting heightened public attention. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson issued a statement condemning federal militarization and calling for all ICE operations in the city to be suspended pending a full investigation.

“We cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts,” Wilson said. “Federal militarization undermines effective, community‑based public safety, and it runs counter to the values that define our region. I call on every Portlander to remain calm and united as this investigation proceeds.”

Police have secured the area, including sections of East Burnside between Northeast 145th and 148th Avenue, while federal and local agencies continue to investigate. The FBI was also present at the scene Thursday afternoon.