> At a Glance
> – Federal agents shot two people in Portland, Ore., on Thursday, Jan. 8
> – The wounded man and woman are husband and wife, according to Councilor Jamie Dunphy
> – DHS claims the driver tried to run over agents before shots were fired
> – Why it matters: The incident fuels scrutiny of federal force tactics days after a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis
Federal agents shot a married couple in Portland, Ore., on Thursday afternoon, prompting local police to clarify they were not involved. The confrontation unfolded less than 24 hours after another ICE shooting sparked nationwide protests.
The Shooting
Portland officers answered a 2:18 p.m. call about gunshot victims. Six minutes later, the wounded man phoned for help. Police applied a tourniquet and summoned medics before both victims were rushed to a hospital; their conditions remain unknown.
Portland Police Bureau confirmed:
> “Federal agents had been involved in a shooting. Local officers were not involved in the incident.”
Federal Account vs. Local Response
Department of Homeland Security alleges the driver weaponized his vehicle:
> “When agents identified themselves, the driver attempted to run over law enforcement. Fearing for his life, an agent fired defensive shots.”
DHS also claims the female passenger is a Venezuelan national linked to the Tren de Aragua prostitution ring, though this has not been verified.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day emphasized:
> “We are still in the early stages of this incident.”
The bureau reiterated it does not handle immigration enforcement under Directive 810.10.
Timeline of Events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:18 p.m. | 911 reports gunshot victims |
| 2:24 p.m. | Victim calls for help |
| After | FBI and medics arrive; victims hospitalized |
Context of Rising Tensions
The Portland shooting follows the Wednesday death of Renee Nicole Good, shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Bystander video shows Good reversing, then moving forward before the agent fired through the windshield and window, killing her.
Twin Cities protests erupted Wednesday and Thursday over Good’s death.
Key Takeaways
- Federal agents shot a married couple in Portland on Jan. 8
- DHS says the driver tried to run over agents; local police were not involved
- Victims’ conditions remain unknown; investigation is early
- Incident heightens scrutiny of federal force amid nationwide ICE backlash
Portland leaders urge calm as investigators piece together the moments that left two people hospitalized and a community on edge.
