During a press conference on Friday, an emotional Portland Police Chief, Bob Day, shared new insights linking two undocumented immigrants shot in a federal immigration enforcement operation to the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA).

According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, the two individuals, identified as Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, were confirmed to be Venezuelan nationals with alleged connections to TdA.

The incident occurred when Moncada, driving the vehicle, reportedly attempted to use it as a weapon against U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. This action led an agent to open fire in self-defense, as detailed by DHS.

“There is indeed a connection to TdA involvement,” Day stated, his voice breaking with emotion.

At a news conference, Portland Police Chief Bob Day, visibly moved, confirmed the gang affiliations of two illegal immigrants shot by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent. The individuals had ties to the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. (KPTV)

Chief Day admitted he was initially reluctant to reveal the gang links, reflecting on the “historical injustice of victim blaming” that has occurred within the law enforcement community, including his own department.

“I want to speak for just a moment, specifically to my Latino community,” Day said.

“It saddens me that we even have to qualify these remarks because I understand or at least have attempted to understand your voices, your concern, your fear, your anger,” Day said, removing his glasses mid-sentence and wiping tears from his eyes. 

“This information, in no way, is meant to disparage or to condone or support or agree with any of the actions that occurred yesterday,” the chief added.

DHS officials say Luis David Nico Moncada, left, and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, are Venezuelan criminal illegal aliens and suspected members of the foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua. The duo were wounded after being shot by a Border Patrol agent Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, when they allegedly attempted to run the officer and others over with their vehicle.  (Department of Homeland Security)

Day emphasized that he was disclosing the suspected gang ties for transparency only and that the information should not be interpreted as excusing or justifying the shooting, which remains under investigation.

“But it is important that we stay committed to the rule of law, that we stay committed to the facts, that we stay a trustworthy and legitimate police department for all Portlanders,” he said.

Day said both suspects remain hospitalized in stable condition and are in federal custody.

“They are in custody of federal law enforcement, but they appear to be on the road to recovery, and I’m grateful for that,” Day said.

FBI agents at the scene of a shooting involving federal agents in Portland, Ore. (KPTV)

DHS has rejected early reports suggesting the two were a married couple, calling such claims “revolting lies.” The agency said instead that Moncada was a suspected gang associate and that Zambrano-Contreras was allegedly involved in a TdA-linked prostitution operation.

Day has come under fire previously from Camilla Wamsley, the director of Portland’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, who said the facility has endured dozens of nights of violence and that Portland police have been largely absent while responding to protests under direction from the mayor and city council.

Day has previously stated that his force will not assist in immigration enforcement operations, but noted that Portland Police manages public safety in the surrounding neighborhoods during demonstrations.