Who Are Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras? Shot in Portland Immigration Incident

Two people were shot by a U.S. immigration agent during a traffic stop in Portland on Thursday. The driver tried to hit the agent with the car, officials said.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the agent fired in self-defense. The vehicle then drove about five miles before stopping at an apartment complex. Both people called for medical help and were taken to the hospital. They are conscious and recovering.

Who Were Shot?

The driver is Luis David Nino‑Moncada, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. He has past arrests for DUI and using a vehicle without permission.

The passenger is Yorlenys Zambrano‑Contreras, who crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2023. DHS said she was involved in a prostitution ring linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

Reports that they were married are false, officials said.

Gang Connections

Portland Police Chief Bob Day said both have a link to Tren de Aragua. He mentioned a July 2025 shooting in Portland connected to the gang. Police are not giving more details about the level of involvement.

Chief Day said the gang is in Portland, but it is not widespread. He stressed that sharing the gang info is not to justify or condemn the shooting.

Protests and Public Reaction

After the shooting, hundreds of people protested outside the local immigration detention center. Police arrested six people for disorderly conduct.

DHS recently sent immigration agents to several U.S. cities, including Portland, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Chicago. This is part of ongoing enforcement and deportation operations.

Investigation

It is not yet clear if the two will face charges for the incident. The FBI is leading the investigation along with local authorities.