A shooting involving federal agents in Portland, Oregon, left two people injured, immediately following a similar deadly incident in Minneapolis and prompting local officials to demand a halt to all federal immigration operations, as per ABC News. The chaotic incident involved agents from Customs and Border Protection who were reportedly conducting a targeted stop in the city.
Federal officials were quick to release their version of events. The Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, confirmed the agents were part of an operation dubbed “Operation Oregon.” They were targeting a vehicle carrying two individuals allegedly affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, specifically naming the passenger as the primary target. According to the DHS statement, when agents identified themselves, the driver “weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.”
This is a seriously concerning escalation. The driver, who was not the initial target of the operation, was driving a red Toyota when they allegedly tried to flee the scene. After the shooting occurred, the two people who were shot drove themselves about three miles from the initial location, near Southeast Main Street, to an apartment complex before calling for help.
This Portland shooting comes just after an ICE officer allegedly shot and killed a woman in her car in Minneapolis the previous day
Just like how Minneapolis mayor slammed the official narrative of the fatal shooting, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson did not mince words when addressing the situation, making it crystal clear that local government is highly skeptical of the federal narrative. “We know what the federal government says happened here,” Mayor Wilson told reporters. “There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past.”
He immediately called for a pause on all immigration enforcement operations in the city, stating, “We are calling on ICE to halt all operations in Portland until a full and independent investigation can take place. Our community deserves answers.”
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek echoed that demand for immediate federal cooperation and transparency. She emphasized that the state’s priority is a complete investigation, not more detentions. “My message to the federal government is this: We demand transparency,” Governor Kotek said. “We demand your cooperation with Portland Police and the Multnomah County DA, because we need to investigate this incident efficiently and effectively so we can rebuild trust with our nation’s government.”
Adding to the official pushback, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that his office was opening an investigation. The Oregon Department of Justice investigation will specifically look at whether any federal officers acted outside the scope of their lawful authority during the encounter, including reviewing video evidence and witness interviews.
Mayor Wilson called the incident “deeply troubling” and urged residents to respond with calm, not violence. “Portland does not respond to violence with violence,” he reminded the community. “We respond with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice. We must stand together to protect Portland.”
Published: Jan 9, 2026 12:30 pm