Two people were shot and wounded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Thursday in Portland, Oregon, in a new incident that once again places the actions of federal immigration authorities in the United States under scrutiny. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that both victims are Venezuelan nationals and justified the use of force as an act of “self-defense”.
The incident occurred just 24 hours after the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a case that has sparked massive protests and strong questions to the federal government.
ICE shoots 2 Venezuelans in Portland
🚨BREAKING🚨
ICE Agents allegedly shoot two people in Portland, city officials say. The shooting occurred near East Burnside and 141st Avenue. FBI is expected to release a statement soon. pic.twitter.com/vGwJt5OX45– Black Rebel (@RealBlackRebel_) January 8, 2026
According to DHS statements to Fox News, ICE agents stopped a vehicle in a residential area of Portland.
According to the official version, the driver – a Venezuelan immigrant allegedly linked to a criminal network – attempted to flee after being identified and allegedly tried to run over the officers, leading them to open fire.
As a result, two people – a man and a woman, whose identities have not been disclosed – were injured by gunshot wounds and were taken to a local hospital.
So far, there has been no public information about his health condition.
Ongoing investigation and official versions
The Portland Police Bureau confirmed that ICE agents were involved in the shooting and that the case is under investigation.
The local police were notified following reports of gunshot wounds and, upon arrival at the scene, found that federal agents were present.
For its part, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initially published a statement on the X social network confirming ICE’s involvement, but later withdrew the message without further explanation.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day asked the public to “remain calm” as the investigation continues.
A context of high tension
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…
– Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 9, 2026
This new incident adds to a series of recent clashes linked to federal immigration operations.
The Portland case comes at a time of heightened national tension after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis during a protest.
This incident has generated demonstrations in multiple cities and an intense debate on the use of force by immigration authorities.
Portland is one of several cities governed by Democrats where, since mid-2025, President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered the deployment of the National Guard and federal agencies under the argument of fighting crime, although much of these operations have focused on immigration raids.
As investigations continue, civic organizations and local leaders are keeping the spotlight on these cases, which have reignited the debate about civil rights, use of force and the impact of immigration policies on immigrant communities and long-time U.S. residents.
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