Portlanders Protest in Streets After Border Patrol Shoots Two People

Portland residents took to the streets on January 8, 2026, to voice their outrage after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent shot two people during an attempted traffic stop in East Portland. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. when federal agents attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by a man and a woman. Both individuals were injured and transported to local hospitals, but their identities and conditions have not been disclosed.

Details of the Incident

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the individuals involved were suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. She alleged that the woman had connections to a prostitution ring and recent violence in Portland. McLaughlin also claimed that the driver attempted to run over the agents, prompting the agent to fire a shot defensively.

Official Responses

• Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed the shooting but provided limited details.
• Local officials, including Mayor Keith Wilson and Governor Tina Kotek, condemned the incident. They called for a halt to federal immigration operations in Portland.
• Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced an investigation into the shooting.

Amid growing tensions following the recent shooting of a U.S. citizen by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, protests erupted across the country, including Portland. Residents gathered outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, chanting slogans against immigration enforcement.

Protests Erupt in Portland

By 7:45 p.m. on the same day, a crowd of about 400 gathered, demanding accountability. Protesters expressed anger as police facilitated access for an ICE vehicle, further escalating tensions. Local authorities urged peaceful reactions and condemned the violent incident.

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats, echoed concerns over violence related to federal immigration practices. Wyden remarked on the dangers of deploying federal agents, linking it to heightening local tensions.

Investigation Underway

The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting. Investigators were spotted near the 10000 block of Main Street, where the incident took place. As community members continue to grapple with the implications of federal actions, reactions are swift and emotional.

This situation remains fluid, with ongoing updates expected as more facts emerge regarding the shooting and the broader implications for Portland’s immigrant community.