A shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol agents in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday has drawn national attention to clashes between federal officers and suspected gang members. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the incident began around 2:19 p.m. when agents tried to stop a vehicle linked to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan transnational gang tied to “organized crime, including prostitution rings, shootings, and other violent activity.” She said the driver allegedly “weaponized his vehicle” and tried to run over officers, prompting an agent to fire. Both the driver and passenger were wounded and fled the scene before being hospitalized.
Officials said the passenger was a Venezuelan national illegally in the U.S. and connected to the gang’s prostitution network, while the driver is believed to be an active member. Portland Police confirmed federal agents were involved but did not participate directly.
The Portland shooting follows a similar incident in Minneapolis, where ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good after she allegedly rammed a vehicle at him. DHS labeled that shooting an act of domestic terrorism, drawing criticism from Good’s family. Portland authorities urged calm amid “heightened emotion and tension,” according to Police Chief Bob Day.
The FBI briefly confirmed an investigation into the Portland shooting before deleting its statement, sparking criticism over transparency. Civil-rights groups called for independent reviews, while supporters say agents face increasingly dangerous encounters.
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