Chief Tears Up on Venezuelans’ Gang Ties in Shooting

Portland Police Chief Bob Day fought back tears Friday while sharing new details that two Venezuelan illegal immigrants shot during a federal immigration operation have links to the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang.

Day backed a Department of Homeland Security statement identifying the men—Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras—as Venezuelan criminal illegal aliens with suspected TdA connections. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent shot them after Moncada, the driver, allegedly “weaponized his vehicle” by trying to run over agents, according to DHS. The agent fired in self-defense. See related coverage.

“They do have some nexus to involvement with TdA. We can confirm that,” Day said, his voice breaking as he paused.

The chief explained his initial reluctance to reveal the gang ties, pointing to law enforcement’s “historic injustice of victim blaming,” including in his own department. Addressing Portland’s Latino community directly, he said: “It saddens me that we even have to qualify these remarks because I understand… your voices, your concern, your fear, your anger.” He removed his glasses mid-sentence to wipe away tears.

Day stressed the disclosure aimed for transparency, not to disparage the men, condone the incident, or justify the shooting—which is still 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 added.

Both suspects are hospitalized in stable condition and in federal custody.