In brief
In a recent incident in Portland, the FBI has reported a lack of surveillance or body camera footage related to the shooting of two individuals by a Border Patrol agent. Authorities stated the shooting occurred after the vehicle driven by the victims reversed into an agent's rented vehicle. Four out of six agents present have been interviewed as protests arise concerning federal techniques in immigration enforcement operations. The affected individuals have connections to a Venezuelan gang and are currently in custody.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The FBI revealed in a publicly released court document that no surveillance footage exists regarding the shooting of two individuals during a recent immigration enforcement operation involving Border Patrol agents in Portland, Oregon.
According to the investigation, an agent fired his weapon after the driver of a pickup truck, identified as Luis David Nino-Moncada, reversed the vehicle into a parked car rented by the agents, causing damage. Following this, the truck moved forward, prompting agents to fear for their safety and the safety of the public.
As part of the investigation, the FBI has interviewed four agents present at the scene, but it remains unclear if the shooter was included in those interviews. The agents did not record any body camera footage during the incident, and no other video evidence has been located, as indicated by FBI Special Agent Daniel Jeffreys in his affidavit.
This incident occurred shortly after another federal agent shot and killed a driver in Minneapolis, which incited protests over the aggressive tactics used by federal agents during immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security reported that the individuals in the truck entered the U.S. illegally and have ties to a Venezuelan criminal gang called Tren de Aragua.
Following the shooting, Nino-Moncada was found with gunshot wounds and taken into custody after calling 911 from an apartment complex. During his initial appearance in federal court, he appeared with visible arm injuries and is set to remain in detention pending further hearings.
His passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, who was also shot, is currently held in a private immigration detention facility following treatment for her injuries. Both were identified as Venezuelan nationals with prior illegal entries into the U.S.
Attorney General Pam Bondi made a statement regarding these charges, highlighting the seriousness of assaulting law enforcement and condemning Nino-Moncada's actions and presence in the country as inexcusable. Meanwhile, Nino-Moncada's defense has raised concerns about the government's approach to the situation and the justification of its agents' conduct in high-stakes enforcement operations.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed a connection to gang activity surrounding both individuals, noting that they had previously come under scrutiny during an investigation related to another shooting involving gang members.
