Two people believed to be linked to a Venezuelan criminal gang have been shot by US Border Patrol officers in Oregon, as American authorities report a dramatic increase in vehicle-related attacks on federal agents.
The US Border Patrol shooting incident has attracted international scrutiny after officials said officers were forced to open fire when a vehicle was allegedly driven towards them during a routine stop, a method now viewed by US agencies as an emerging threat.
What happened during the US Border Patrol shooting incident?
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the incident took place on Thursday afternoon in Portland, Oregon, during a traffic stop carried out by US Customs and Border Protection officers.
Authorities claim the driver used the car as a weapon, accelerating towards officers despite them clearly identifying themselves.
DHS said officers responded with live fire after concluding their lives were in immediate danger, describing the action as necessary self-defence.
US Customs Border Agent Shooting UPDATE – a DHS customs Officer and Border Officer were said to be conducting a stop on illegal aliens,One being from Venezuela in Transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and previously involded in a… pic.twitter.com/9pSIYNQvPN
— MəanL¡LMə♡₩ (@MeanLILMeoW) January 9, 2026
A spokesperson for the department said an officer discharged a weapon after fearing serious injury or death, adding that the vehicle then sped away from the scene with both occupants inside. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
Who are the suspects?
US officials believe the male driver is connected to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan-based criminal network known for violent crime, extortion, and organised prostitution across several regions.
BREAKING: @DHSgov has released their official statement. A Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang member attempted to use his car as a weapon and flee the scene of a crime. The SAME thing as Renee Good.
Won’t be suprised when the radical left tries and defend this criminal. pic.twitter.com/vCmixm7XU0
— Elephant Civics (@ElephantCivics) January 9, 2026
The female passenger is described by authorities as an undocumented Venezuelan national with suspected links to gang activity in Portland, including involvement in prostitution and gun-related offences.
Neither suspect has been formally identified, and no criminal charges have yet been confirmed.
Where were the injured suspects found?
Local police later discovered a man and woman suffering from gunshot wounds at around 2.20pm local time, close to Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside Street.
Investigators established that the shooting itself occurred roughly three miles away from where the pair were located.
Emergency aid, including tourniquets, was provided before both individuals were taken to the hospital. Their current condition has not been made public.
Did Portland police play a role in the shooting?
Portland police confirmed they had no involvement in the shooting.
Police Chief Bob Day said officers were still piecing together the events and urged calm, acknowledging heightened tensions in the community while investigations continue.
Why is this linked to wider violence?
The incident came just 24 hours after a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, where a federal immigration officer killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good.
Video footage circulating online appeared to show Ms Good’s vehicle striking an officer before shots were fired through the car window.
US President Donald Trump and senior Homeland Security figures said the officer acted lawfully in self-defence, later referring to Ms Good as a “domestic terrorist”, a description strongly rejected by civil rights organisations.
How serious is the rise in vehicle attacks?
DHS figures suggest a sharp escalation:
- 66 vehicle-related attacks on ICE officers were recorded in the year to January 2026
- Only two incidents were logged during the same period as the previous year
- This marks an increase of over 3,200 per cent
Officials also report:
- An 8,000 per cent surge in death threats against federal agents
- Claims that inflammatory political rhetoric from so-called sanctuary politicians has contributed to rising hostility
Why does this matter to the UK?
Although the shooting took place in the United States, UK security specialists are monitoring developments closely.
Vehicle attacks have previously been used in Britain, particularly during terrorist incidents in London, Manchester, and Westminster, making the issue relevant to domestic policing and public safety.
The case highlights ongoing concerns around:
- The safety of officers during routine stops
- The use of vehicles as weapons
- How immigration enforcement operates in highly polarised political environments
