Around 2:19 p.m. Thursday in the Hazelwood neighborhood, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a car carrying a Venezuelan national targeted for ties to the Tren de Aragua gang’s prostitution ring and a recent shooting.
The driver, believed to be another gang member, reportedly accelerated toward the agents after they identified themselves, prompting one agent to fire defensively; the pair fled briefly before stopping and seeking medical help.
Portland police provided aid, and both were hospitalized with unknown conditions, as the FBI leads the shooting investigation amid local leaders’ sharp criticism and street protests blocking federal vehicles.
Homeland security releases press statement stating: “At 2:19 PST, US Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Portland, Oregon.
“The passenger of the vehicle and target is a Venezuelan illegal alien affiliated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and involved in a recent shooting in Portland.
“The vehicle driver is believed to be a member of the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. When agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.
“Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot. The driver drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene.”