Federal Agents Shoot Two in Portland: Tensions Rise Amid Conflicting Accounts

A “targeted vehicle stop” by federal agents turned violent in Southeast Portland on Thursday, January 8, 2026, leaving two people hospitalized and sparking a political firestorm between city officials and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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Timeline of the Confrontation

The incident began at approximately 2:18 p.m. in the parking lot of Adventist Health Portland. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents attempted to intercept a red Toyota pickup truck.

According to federal reports, the agents were attempting to apprehend a passenger believed to be a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. During the encounter, agents opened fire, striking both a man and a woman inside the truck. Despite their injuries, the driver fled the scene, eventually stopping two miles away to call for medical assistance.

The Dispute Over “Self-Defense”

The FBI is currently investigating the shooting, which has produced two very different versions of events:

• The Federal Version: DHS officials maintain that the driver of the pickup “weaponized” the vehicle, attempting to ram agents to escape. They state that an officer fired a “defensive shot” to stop the threat.
• The Local Skepticism: Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Governor Tina Kotek have questioned this narrative. They pointed to past incidents where federal claims of self-defense were later challenged by video evidence. Witnesses on the scene described agents cornering the truck and pounding on the glass before the discharge of weapons.

Escalating Political Fallout

This shooting comes just 24 hours after a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, leading to accusations of “militarized” immigration enforcement.

• Portland’s Response: Mayor Wilson has called for an immediate halt to all ICE and CBP operations within city limits, citing concerns over public safety and constitutional violations.
• Condition of the Victims: Both individuals are currently being treated at local hospitals. While their injuries were significant enough to require the use of tourniquets at the scene, they are reported to be alive.

Key Takeaways

• The Location: The shooting occurred in a busy hospital parking lot during mid-afternoon.
• The Investigation: Led by the FBI Portland Field Office.
• The Climate: This event has triggered widespread protests and a formal pushback from Oregon’s state and local leadership against federal tactics.