Portland’s police chief, Bob Day, delivered a somber address Friday, visibly shaken by newly revealed details surrounding a shooting involving two individuals encountered during federal immigration enforcement. The individuals, identified as Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, were confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security to be Venezuelan nationals with suspected connections to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang.
The shooting occurred after Moncada, allegedly driving the vehicle, attempted to strike U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents with his car. An agent fired in self-defense, wounding both Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras. DHS officials confirmed a “nexus” between the two and the violent criminal organization, Tren de Aragua.
Chief Day paused repeatedly during his statement, struggling to maintain composure. He admitted to initial hesitation in releasing the information, acknowledging a history of problematic “victim blaming” within law enforcement, including past practices within his own department.
Addressing the Latino community directly, Day expressed deep regret that such clarification was even necessary. He acknowledged the community’s fears and concerns, emphasizing that the disclosure was not intended to disparage or justify the shooting, which remains under investigation.
Transparency, Day insisted, was paramount. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust, stating the need for a police department that serves all Portlanders fairly and legitimately. The facts, he emphasized, must guide the investigation.
Both suspects are currently hospitalized in stable condition and are now in federal custody. Day expressed relief at their apparent recovery, while acknowledging they remain subject to federal law enforcement proceedings.
Initial reports circulating about the relationship between the two individuals were refuted by DHS, which dismissed claims they were a married couple as “revolting lies.” Instead, the agency alleges Moncada was a suspected gang associate and Zambrano-Contreras was involved in a prostitution operation linked to Tren de Aragua.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing tension between Portland Police and federal immigration authorities. The director of the local ICE office has previously criticized the police department’s response to violence and protests, alleging a lack of support during demonstrations directed by the mayor and city council.
While Chief Day has previously stated his force would not directly participate in immigration enforcement, he affirmed Portland Police would continue to manage public safety in surrounding neighborhoods during demonstrations. The focus, he reiterated, remains on maintaining order and protecting the community.
