MYNORTHWEST POLITICS

DHS identifies two Venezuelan nationals shot by Border Patrol in Portland

Jan 9, 2026, 8:59 AM | Updated: 3:49 pm

portland dhs venezuela shot...

Left: Luis David Nico Moncada. Right: Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras (Photos courtesy of DHS)

(Photos courtesy of DHS)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names of the people shot by border patrol agents in Portland Thursday.

Federal immigration agents shot and wounded two people in a vehicle outside a hospital in Portland just one day after an officer fatally shot a woman in Minnesota, authorities confirmed with The Associated Press.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Luis David Nico Moncada, DHS confirmed on X. The passenger was identified as Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras. Both are “criminal illegal aliens” from Venezuela, according to DHS, and are suspected to be associated with Tren de Aragua — a transnational organized crime syndicate from Venezuela.

“Yesterday, two suspected Tren de Aragua gang associates — let loose on American streets by Joe Biden — weaponized their vehicle against Border Patrol in Portland,” DHS stated on X. “The agent took immediate action to defend himself and others, shooting them.”

According to the government agency, Moncada illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and has previously been arrested for DUI and unauthorized use of a vehicle, while Zambrano-Contreras allegedly played an active role in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring since illegally entering the country. She was involved in a prior shooting in Portland.

They told dispatchers they were a married couple and had been shot by ICE. Both are in the hospital, but their conditions are unknown, as of this reporting.

The FBI will assume custody upon their release.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest Politics

wildfire aid...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Ferguson signs amended wildfire proclamation as state seeks additional federal aid

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed an amended emergency proclamation Monday for Washington's wildfire disaster.

16 hours ago

Andre Sayles (2)...

James Lynch

‘My feet are here’: Interim SPD Chief Andre Sayles addresses crime, Mayor Katie Wilson, and Seattle’s path forward

Interim Seattle Police Chief Andre Sayles said he’s committed to Seattle and focused on restoring trust and safety.

4 days ago

People shop near 'Sale' signs in the meats section of a grocery store. (Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Im...

MyNorthwest Staff

New Seattle policy aims to block retailers from using personal data to set grocery prices

Mayor Katie Wilson and two city councilmembers announced a new affordability policy on Friday to eliminate price gouging, and make groceries more affordable.

4 days ago

Trump...

Luke Duecy

Gov. Ferguson invites President Trump to Spokane to witness devastation firsthand

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has invited President Donald Trump to see the fire damage and devastation in Spokane.

5 days ago

Kshama Sawant...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘I don’t like Kshama Sawant’: Gee asks ‘are we done now?’ as Sawant finishes distant third

KIRO hosts Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin were relieved to see Kshama Sawant, who served on the Seattle City Council, finish in third place.

6 days ago

katie wilson seattle primary...

Luke Duecy

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson-backed progressive candidates fall short in Washington primary races

Two progressive candidates endorsed by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson were defeated Tuesday in Washington's primary election.

6 days ago

DHS identifies two Venezuelan nationals shot by Border Patrol in Portland