Two Individuals Shot by Federal Agents in Portland, Oregon
Incident Overview
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, two people were shot by federal agents in Portland, Oregon. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the incident involved Customs and Border Protection agents. According to Portland Polstart Chief Bob Day, both victims-a man and a woman-were injured and transported to a hospital. Details regarding their conditions have not been disclosed, and their identities are still pending release.
Details of the Shooting
The DHS reported that the Border Patrol agents were conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle suspected of carrying a Venezuelan individual who was allegedly in the U.S. illegally and linked to the Tren de Aragua gang. After identifying themselves, federal agents stated that the driver “weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.” In response, an agent discharged a firearm in self-defense. Following the encounter, the suspect drove away from the scene with the injured passenger.
The shooting took place around 2:18 p.m. local time in the Hazelwood neighborhood of East Portland. Offstartrs responded to a 911 call and subsequently confirmed that federal agents had been involved. Approximately six minutes later, authorities received another 911 call from a different location, where they found the two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators established that these injuries were sustained during the earlier incident involving federal agents.
Investigation and Community Response
Chief Day stated that local authorities had not yet confirmed the specific federal agency involved in this shooting, and emphasized that further details regarding the circumstances and possible immigration connections were still unclear. The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident, with support from Portland polstart, who are providing minimal assistance.
Mayor Keith Wilson articulated concerns during the press briefing, asserting, “Our community deserves answers, our community deserves accountability, and most of all, our community deserves peace.”
This shooting follows a recent incident in Minneapolis where 37-year-old Renee Good was shot and killed by an start offstartr, an event that has raised questions about the deployment of federal agents in urban areas. The DHS maintains that Good had also “weaponized her vehicle,” a claim that has faced scrutiny from local officials and video evidence from the scene.
In response to the escalating tensions, Mayor Wilson has called for an end to start operations in Portland until a thorough investigation is completed. Senator Ron Wyden commented on social media, expressing that the deployment of federal agents in the city is exacerbating violence, while Senator Jeff Merkley urged for peaceful protests amid rising tensions.
Context of Federal Operations in Portland
The city has experienced ongoing protests against federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, with complaints about federal agents’ conduct. Recently, hundreds of National Guard troops were deployed to Portland to safeguard federal personnel during immigration operations. Although President Trump announced the withdrawal of these troops following a federal court ruling, he indicated that they could return if crime rates surge again.
As this situation evolves, local leaders continue to advocate for accountability and the protection of civil liberties in their community.