By: The World Ambassador TWA ________ web Desk: A Border Patrol officer opened fire during a traffic stop in Portland, Oregon, after allegedly acting in self-defense, leaving a man and a woman injured. Authorities said both individuals are Venezuelan nationals and are suspected of links to a dangerous criminal group.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the vehicle’s driver, Luis David Niño-Moncada, has been charged with assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors allege that during the traffic stop, the suspect repeatedly drove the vehicle forward and backward, striking a Border Patrol vehicle multiple times and placing officers’ lives at risk.

Officials said the man sustained a gunshot wound to the arm, while the woman was shot in the chest. Both were transported to a hospital for treatment. The shooting is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while the Oregon Attorney General has launched a separate state inquiry to determine whether any federal officer exceeded their authority.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that both injured individuals had entered the United States unlawfully in recent years and are also under investigation in connection with other alleged crimes. Authorities did not immediately release details regarding the suspected gang affiliation.

Immigration Enforcement and Law Enforcement Scrutiny in the U.S.

The incident comes amid a nationwide debate in the United States over immigration enforcement, border security, and civil rights. Federal immigration operations in several cities have drawn political and public scrutiny, attracting attention from the international community and human rights groups.

Following the incident, Portland saw political reaction and public anger. The city’s mayor and the state governor, among other leaders, voiced concern over federal immigration agencies’ conduct and called for transparent investigations. Protests also took place outside an immigration facility, during which several individuals were detained. Authorities said additional details will be released once investigations are complete.