PORTLAND, Oregon — Federal agents wounded two people during an immigration enforcement operation in Portland on Thursday, according to the Department of Homeland Security, adding to heightened tensions following a fatal officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis earlier this week.
DHS said U.S. Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted stop in the Hazelwood neighborhood while attempting to apprehend a person allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua criminal network. During the encounter, officials said the driver attempted to flee and “weaponized” the vehicle by trying to run over officers. An agent then fired what DHS described as a defensive shot.
The driver and a passenger fled the scene but were later located by Portland police at a separate location after officers responded to a call for assistance. Both individuals—a man and a woman—were hospitalized with gunshot wounds after police applied a tourniquet at the scene. Their conditions were not immediately released.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day said the investigation remains in its early stages and acknowledged community anxiety following the Minneapolis shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. He urged residents to remain calm as authorities work to establish the facts.
The incident prompted sharp criticism from Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Democrat who represents southeastern Portland. In a statement, she condemned the shooting and accused federal authorities of escalating fear through aggressive enforcement actions.
The Portland shooting follows growing scrutiny of federal immigration operations nationwide, particularly after recent officer-involved shootings that have sparked protests and calls for greater accountability.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
