2 Shot, Injured in Incident With Federal Police in Portland

Two people were shot and injured during an incident involving federal law enforcement in Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 8.

Portland law enforcement responded at around 2:18 p.m. on Thursday to a report of a shooting in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Portland. Officers confirmed on scene that federal agents had been involved, according to a statement posted by the Portland city government.

Portland said that its officers were not involved in the incident.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day referenced the proximity of the incident and urged locals to remain calm.

“We are still in the early stages of this incident,” Day said. “We understand the heightened emotion and tension many are feeling in the wake of the shooting in Minneapolis, but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more.”

Responding to the shooting in Portland, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said a passenger and driver of a vehicle were believed to be an illegal immigrant from Venezuela and a member of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, respectively.

McLaughlin said Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop when they approached the vehicle the individuals were in.

“When agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents,” she said in a statement on X. “Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired defensive shots. The driver drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene.”

The two people, identified by Portland Police as a man and a woman, were found 8 miles away from the location of the shooting after the man called 911 for help. Police applied a tourniquet, and they were taken to the hospital. Their condition is currently unknown.

The incident drew immediate reactions from local officials. Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell expressed concern for those affected by the incident.

“My thoughts are with those who were injured during this shooting, their families, and anyone who witnessed it,” she said in a statement. “Moments like this can create even greater fear and I recognize the weight of emotion our country and now our community is carrying right now.”

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson urged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt operations in the city until a full investigation is completed.

In a statement, Wilson criticized federal immigration enforcement operations as “federal militarization” that “runs counter to the values that define our region.”

“I will use every legal and legislative tool available to protect our residents’ civil and human rights,” he said.

This shooting comes one day after an ICE agent fatally shot an anti-ICE protester during an operation in Minneapolis. DHS stated that 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over an officer, who shot her in self defense. when she was shot.

The incident sparked protests and Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes Thursday and Friday out of caution.

Tren de Aragua, the gang allegedly linked to the Portland suspects, originated in Venezuela and has expanded into the United States, engaging in drug trafficking, prostitution, and violence. The United States designated it a foreign terrorist organization in 2025, leading to sanctions and rewards for information on leaders.

Last month, the State Department raised reward to $5 million for Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, the first member of the gang listed as the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives.

The Justice Department indicted more than 70 members in a nationwide crackdown last month, targeting activities in multiple states.

Portland has seen ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement.

In October 2025, hundreds protested outside ICE offices, and the city fought a National Guard deployment to support immigration operations. A federal judge blocked troops in Portland, part of broader standoffs in blue states like Oregon and Illinois.

President Donald Trump announced withdrawal of federalized Guard troops from Portland and other cities on Dec. 31, 2025, after earlier deployments.

Federal officials have not released the agents’ identities or further details on the Portland operation. The FBI is investigating the incident, according to Portland police.