Federal Agent Shooting: Two people were injured in a shooting involving a federal agent in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, according to authorities. The incident followed a short time after an ICE officer allegedly shot and killed a woman inside her car in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparking outrage and backlash against the presence of federal agents there.
Similarly, the mayor of Portland called for immigration enforcement operations to halt while the investigation is ongoing. In both cases, federal officials said the motorists tried to ram agents, who fired defensive shots.
The Department of Homeland Security said the Portland shooting occurred while Border Patrol agents were conducting a “targeted” stop on a vehicle carrying two people allegedly affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. DHS said the passenger was the target.
According to multiple law enforcement sources, the agents involved were part of a Customs and Border Protection operation dubbed “Operation Oregon.” DHS said in a statement, “When agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.”
The driver, who was not the target of the operation, was stopped while driving a red Toyota before they attempted to flee. The agent feared for their safety and fired at the vehicle, DHS said in its statement.
Sources stressed that the investigation and information remain in preliminary stages and could change. According to law enforcement sources, the two who were shot were treated at a hospital for their injuries, and their conditions are unknown. DHS said both are believed to be connected to the Tren de Aragua gang.
During a press conference, Portland Police Chief Bob Day said local officials “do not know the facts of this case,” and said an investigation is ongoing. Asked whether the passenger is linked to a previous shooting, Day said, “I can’t comment on whether or not that’s the case. We don’t know who these individuals are.”
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson told reporters, “We know what the federal government says happened here. There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past.” He added, “We are calling on ICE to halt all operations in Portland until a full and independent investigation can take place. Our community deserves answers.”
Later Thursday evening, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said he was opening an investigation into the shooting. In a social media post, Rayfield said the Oregon Department of Justice investigation will examine whether any federal officers acted outside the scope of their lawful authority during the encounter. The post said witness interviews and video evidence would be included.
Officials said the shooting occurred around 2:18 p.m. local time. Portland police officers responding to a call for help found a man and woman with apparent gunshot wounds, according to the police department. “Officers confirmed that federal agents had been involved in a shooting,” the department said, adding that Portland Police were not involved.
Police said the shooting occurred about 3 miles away from where the victims were found, near the 10200 block of Southeast Main Street by a medical office. The victims then drove themselves to an apartment complex near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside Street, where the man who was shot called for help.
Video showed the FBI responding to the scene, with Portland police assisting, according to a department spokesperson. Chief Day urged calm amid heightened emotion following the deadly ICE officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis.
“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.”
During the press conference, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek called for transparency from the federal government. “The priority right now is a full, completed investigation, not more detentions,” she said, adding that cooperation with Portland Police and the Multnomah County DA is needed to rebuild trust.
Earlier, Mayor Wilson called the incident “deeply troubling” and urged residents to show calm and purpose. “Portland does not respond to violence with violence,” he said. “We respond with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice.”
Early Friday, Portland police confirmed that at least six people were arrested during protests outside an ICE facility. Police said officers requested people move to the sidewalk while traffic remained open and made targeted arrests.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said he is “very concerned.” He said his office is monitoring and assisting to ensure evidence is preserved and that a thorough investigation is conducted to determine what transpired.
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