Portland’s police chief broke down in tears Friday while confirming that two illegal immigrants shot by a federal agent had suspected ties to the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Police Chief Bob Day said the two suspects wounded in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection encounter had a “nexus” to the gang, backing up a Department of Homeland Security statement released earlier in the day. “They do have some nexus to involvement with TDA. We can confirm that,” Day said, pausing as he choked up during a news conference.
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Yesterday [1/8/2026], two suspected Tren de Aragua gang associates—let loose on American streets by Joe Biden—weaponized their vehicle against Border Patrol in Portland. The agent took immediate action to defend himself and others, shooting them.
The driver of the vehicle, Luis David Nico Moncada is a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and suspected Tren de Aragua gang member. He illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and was RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration. Since then, he was arrested for DUI and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He has a final order of removal.
The passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras is a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and is associated with Tren de Aragua. She illegally entered the U.S. in 2023 near El Paso, Texas, and was RELEASED into this country by the Biden administration. Since illegally entering, Contreras played an active role in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and was involved with a prior shooting in Portland.
Yesterday, two suspected Tren de Aragua gang associates—let loose on American streets by Joe Biden—weaponized their vehicle against Border Patrol in Portland. The agent took immediate action to defend himself and others, shooting them.
The driver of the vehicle, Luis David Nico… pic.twitter.com/E7qHKKfp6b
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 9, 2026
The target of the Border Patrol traffic stop in Portland was TDA affiliate Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, an illegal alien from Venezuela. Since illegally entering the United States in 2023, Zambrano-Contreras played an active role in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and is connected to a recent shooting in Portland.
The driver of the vehicle was Luis David Nico Moncada, suspected Tren de Aragua gang member with a FINAL ORDER OF REMOVAL. He illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and was RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration. Since then, he has been arrested for DUI and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Both individuals are currently hospitalized. The FBI will assume custody upon their release.
The target of the Border Patrol traffic stop in Portland was TDA affiliate Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, an illegal alien from Venezuela. Since illegally entering the United States in 2023, Zambrano-Contreras played an active role in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring… pic.twitter.com/GsSycq9VpG
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 9, 2026
“The constant lies that they are putting out to their constituents – saying things like kidnapping, disappearing – it is encouraging these people to continue violating the law. They’re putting their constituents and their citizens in danger.” @USBPChief
This unprecedented increase in violence against law enforcement is a direct result of sanctuary politicians and the media creating an environment that demonizes our law enforcement and encourages rampant assaults against them.
The brave men and women of DHS will not be deterred and will continue arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.
“The constant lies that they are putting out to their constituents – saying things like kidnapping, disappearing – it is encouraging these people to continue violating the law. They’re putting their constituents and their citizens in danger.” @USBPChief
This unprecedented… pic.twitter.com/kud0jbZvj0
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 9, 2026
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