A Border Patrol agent shot and injured two people in east Portland on Thursday, intensifying local anger just one day after a deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
At a Glance
- A Border Patrol agent opened fire during a targeted vehicle stop in Portland, wounding a 33-year-old man and 32-year-old woman
- Federal officials claim the driver tried to run over agents, prompting defensive gunfire
- Portland leaders demand ICE halt operations city-wide pending investigation
- The shooting occurred only 24 hours after ICE fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis
Why it matters: The back-to-back federal shootings inflame national debate over immigration enforcement tactics and local control.
The Portland Incident
At 2:19 p.m. Thursday, agents stopped a red Toyota on Southeast Main Street, targeting a Venezuelan passenger described as an “illegal alien affiliated with the Tren de Aragua prostitution ring,” according to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
McLaughlin stated:
> “When agents identified themselves, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents. Fearing for his life, an agent fired defensive shots.”
The driver sped off with the passenger. Minutes later, police found the pair near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside Street, both suffering gunshot wounds. Officers applied tourniquets before paramedics transported them to a hospital; their conditions remain unknown.
Local Leaders React
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the shooting and called for an immediate ICE moratorium:
> “Portland should not be treated as a military training ground. We respond to violence with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice.”
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners echoed the outrage:
> “Enough is enough. The terror and violence ICE is causing in our neighborhoods must end now.”
Police Chief Bob Day urged calm while the FBI leads the investigation.
Minneapolis Aftermath
The Portland shooting follows Wednesday’s fatal encounter in Minneapolis, where ICE officers shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother, inside her car. Federal officials again claimed self-defense, saying Good “weaponized” her vehicle; Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly rejected that account as “bulls—.” Witnesses told local media Good was attempting to flee.
| Event | Time | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | Wednesday | Minneapolis, MN | Renee Nicole Good fatally shot |
| Portland | Thursday 2:19 p.m. | Portland, OR | Two people wounded, hospitalized |
Key Takeaways
- Federal agents say both shootings were defensive after drivers tried to run them over
- Portland leaders want ICE operations suspended city-wide
- FBI is investigating the Portland incident as “an assault on federal officers”
- Both incidents intensify scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics
With tensions high, Portland officials vow continued oversight as investigators piece together Thursday’s events.
