Two suspects shot for “weaponizing” their vehicle against a Portland-based Border Patrol agent are affiliates of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The revelation came late Thursday after news emerged of a shooting involving U.S. immigration officials in Portland, Oregon. Initial reporting indicated that two individuals were shot in the incident.
When details of the case finally emerged, it clearly was not what Democrats — who had already rushed to falsely blame the immigration officials — were expecting.
According to DHS, Border Patrol officials were conducting a “targeted vehicle stop” in Portland. The agency said that upon identifying themselves to the driver and passenger, “the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.”
The aggressive maneuver reportedly prompted an agent — who DHS said “fear[ed] for his life and safety” — to open fire on the vehicle. The driver then allegedly “drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene.”
DHS further revealed that the two suspects — later identified as Luis David Nico Moncada (driver) and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras (passenger) — are Venezuelan nationals released into the United States by the Biden administration and associated with the transnational gang Tren de Aragua. While Moncada is a suspected Tren de Aragua member who has a final order for removal and was “arrested for DUI and unauthorized use of a vehicle,” Zambrano-Contreras “played an active role in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and was involved with a prior shooting in Portland,” according to the agency. --->READ MORE HERE
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We're learning more about the two people shot Thursday by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent in Southeast Portland, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Portland Police confirming the two had ties to the Tren de Aragua criminal group.
DHS identified the two people as as Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras. Both were taken to the hospital after the shooting.
Nino-Moncada, who was shot in the arm, is out of the hospital and is now in FBI custody.
Zambrano-Contreras was shot in the chest. Portland Police Chief Bob Day said she remains in stable condition.
The shooting happened at about 2:20 p.m. Thursday outside the Adventist Health clinic near Southeast Main Street. Officials say Moncada was behind the wheel of the vehicle on Thursday when he was shot. Zambrano-Contreras was a passenger in the vehicle.
DHS said the duo "weaponized their vehicle against Border Patrol" and the agent fired at them in self-defense.
They drove more than 2.5 miles to Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside, where they were found and taken to the hospital.
KATU is working to obtain evidence that can explain what happened.
COURT RECORDS
KATU is also digging into the alleged criminal records of the individuals involved.
DHS said he entered the country illegally and 2022 and since was arrested for driving under the influence and unauthorized use of a vehicle. A spokesperson said he also has a final order of removal, and is a suspected Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member.
Court records show Nino-Moncada has an open DUII case in Washington County. The indictment — filed in early December — said he was caught driving under the influence of alcohol.
The passenger in yesterday's shooting — Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras — is listed as a witness in grand jury proceedings. Nino-Moncada also has a number of speeding tickets in Multnomah County.
Court records show he also received a protective order against Zambrano-Contreras last November. He wrote that Zambrano-Contreras hit him with her car and told people she would kill him the next time she saw him. A judge approved the request in late November of last year, though court records indicate the two people were together after the order, and were together during yesterday's shooting. --->READ MORE HERE
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