On January 8, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents shot and injured two people in Southeast Portland during a vehicle stop related to an immigration enforcement operation. Portland Police confirmed that federal agents were involved in the shooting; local police did not fire any shots and were only called afterward to respond and secure the scene. The victims, a man and a woman, were transported to hospitals and were alive but wounded. The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident.
Federal Narrative and Allegations About the Victims
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly stated that the shooting occurred when the vehicle was “weaponized” — meaning the driver allegedly attempted to run over officers during a traffic stop, prompting a CBP agent to fire in self‑defense. DHS later identified the two injured individuals as Venezuelan nationals with alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, and suggested they may have had connections to prior violent incidents. Both were treated for gunshot wounds, with one reportedly shot in the arm and the other in the chest.
Context: Immigration Enforcement Expansion
The shooting comes amid a broader expansion of federal immigration enforcement operations under the Trump administration, including actions in sanctuary cities such as Portland and Minneapolis. Just a day earlier, a separate incident in Minneapolis led to the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent, which has already sparked national controversy and protests. These back‑to‑back events have heightened public scrutiny of federal tactics and use of force in interior immigration enforcement.
Local Government Reaction and Tensions
Portland’s mayor and city officials strongly condemned the federal use of force. The mayor released statements calling the shooting “unacceptable” and urged federal immigration operations to halt within city limits until a thorough investigation is conducted. Local leaders have framed the incident as part of a pattern of “militarized” enforcement that undermines public trust and constitutional protections. State and local lawmakers have likewise expressed concern.
Protests and Community Response
The shooting triggered protests near the Portland ICE facility, with some demonstrating against federal enforcement tactics. Police made several arrests during these demonstrations. Many demonstrators cited the earlier Minneapolis shooting as part of a broader pattern of federal law enforcement violence. Others have criticized federal narratives about the Portland incident, demanding independent reviews of both shootings.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Questions
Federal authorities—including the FBI—are actively investigating whether the agent’s use of force was justified under law. Oregon state officials, including the attorney general, have also announced inquiries into whether the shooting exceeded lawful authority. These investigations will examine body‑camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence. The incident is likely to deepen legal and political debates around federal immigration operations, use of force standards, and the relationship between federal agents and sanctuary cities.
🚨 HOLY CRAP. JD VANCE IS LIVID!
"Everybody repeating the lie this is some innocent woman out for a drive in MN – YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU."
"What that headline leaves out is the fact that that very ICE officer nearly had his life ENDED,… pic.twitter.com/eGGZR6qArh
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 8, 2026
