US Border Patrol agents shot two people in East Portland on Thursday, January 8, 2026, following a targeted vehicle stop that led to hundreds protesting the shooting and high emotions in the city, with local leaders voicing strong concerns about the actions of Portland Border Agents. The incident has intensified the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and federal agent conduct.
DHS Account of the Incident Involving Portland Border Agents
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided an account, alleging that agents stopped a vehicle to apprehend a passenger identified as a Venezuelan illegal alien with alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang. DHS further claimed this passenger was involved in a prostitution ring and linked to a recent Portland shooting. According to DHS, the driver then allegedly “weaponized” his vehicle, attempting to run over law enforcement, prompting an agent to fire a defensive shot before the vehicle fled. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued the statement, though independent confirmation of these claims was not immediately available. The incident has fueled concerns about federal overreach and the methods used by Portland Border Agents.
Portland police responded to initial reports around 2:18 p.m. near Adventist Health hospital. Minutes later, a man reported being shot and asking for help. Officers discovered him and a woman several miles from the initial stop, both with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers applied a tourniquet, and emergency medical personnel were summoned. Both victims were transported to local hospitals, initially in unknown condition. Later reports indicated the man was shot in the arm and the woman in the chest, with both reported to be alive. The circumstances surrounding these injuries are a key focus for the investigation into the actions of the Portland Border Agents.
Federal Investigation into the Agent Involved Shooting
The FBI is now leading the investigation into the incident, confirming that US Border Patrol agents were involved. Described by the FBI as an “agent involved shooting” and an “assault on federal officers,” the case is under thorough scrutiny. The Oregon Attorney General’s office is also conducting its own probe. Dan Rayfield announced a formal investigation to examine officer conduct and determine if agents acted outside their legal authority. This follows a pattern of concerns, including a November 2025 letter from Oregon AG and county prosecutors that cited multiple incidents of disproportionate force used by federal officers and called for greater transparency. Evidence collection will include witness interviews and video footage, crucial for understanding the role of the Portland Border Agents.
Local Officials Condemn the Shooting and Federal Authority
Portland officials reacted strongly to the event. Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the shooting at an angry press conference attended by Governor Tina Kotek, demanding ICE halt all operations and expressing deep distrust of federal accounts. “We know what the federal government says happened here,” Wilson stated. “There was a time when we could take them on their word. That time has long passed.” Governor Kotek called the event “terrible and unnecessary,” blaming the “reckless agenda” of the Trump administration and demanding a full, transparent investigation. She criticized federal agents for “shattering trust” and “hurting people.” Other local leaders echoed these sentiments, calling for an end to federal operations and emphasizing community values, stating Portland is not a “training ground” for militarized agents. The “full force” threatened by the administration has deadly consequences, they warned, urging calm while demanding accountability from the Portland Border Agents.
Context of Portland Protests and Federal Agent Controversy
This shooting occurred just one day after another incident where an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, fueling anger and heightening tensions across the US. Portland has a history of protests targeting federal immigration enforcement, and the city’s status as a “sanctuary city” often leads to opposition to federal immigration policies. The presence of federal agents has been a major point of contention, with many residents and officials feeling these agents inject “terror, chaos, and cruelty.” The ongoing tension between federal and local authorities is significant. The FBI investigation and the Oregon AG’s investigation will proceed, with potential referrals for prosecution and further legal showdowns. This news is trending nationwide, highlighting ongoing US Border issues and raising serious questions about federal actions, particularly concerning the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan transnational crime syndicate. DHS claims the shooting victims were connected to this gang, but evidence has not been independently confirmed, adding another layer to the unfolding news and its implications for immigration policy and the conduct of Portland Border Agents.
The city remains on edge, with further protests possible as local leaders seek justice and answers to protect their residents’ rights. The investigations aim to shed light on whether federal officers acted unlawfully. While the US Border Patrol and DHS have offered their account, local officials and residents remain wary. This incident underscores the deep divisions and the contentious nature of immigration enforcement. The situation in Portland is closely watched as part of a larger national conversation impacting community safety and trust in law enforcement. The news cycle continues to follow these developments, with particular attention on the actions of the Portland Border Agents.
