Crime
Venezuelan couple Luis Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras shot by border agent in Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the identities of the two individuals shot by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent during an incident in southeast Portland.
According to DHS, the individuals are Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, a married couple who were inside a vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Officials stated that Moncada was driving the vehicle, while Zambrano-Contreras was seated in the passenger seat.
In a statement posted on social media, DHS described both individuals as criminal illegal aliens from Venezuela and alleged that each has ties to the transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua.
DHS officials said Moncada is a suspected member of Tren de Aragua.
The department reported that he illegally entered the United States in 2022 and was subsequently released into the country.
Since his entry, Moncada was arrested on charges including driving under the influence and unauthorized use of a vehicle, according to DHS. The department further stated that Moncada is currently under a final order of removal.
Zambrano-Contreras is alleged by DHS to have illegally entered the United States in 2023 near El Paso, Texas, after which she was also released into the country.
DHS claims that following her entry, Zambrano-Contreras played an active role in a Tren de Aragua–affiliated prostitution operation and was involved in a prior shooting in Portland.
Authorities confirmed that both individuals were shot by a CBP agent during the incident on Thursday.
DHS has not yet released further details regarding the circumstances that led to the use of force, and the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Multiple people were injured after a U-Haul truck drove into a crowd during an Iranian protest on Veterans Avenue in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to police and eyewitness accounts.
The incident occurred near the federal building at 1338 Veteran Avenue, where demonstrators had gathered for a pro–Pahlavi, anti-regime rally.
Video circulating on social media shows a U-Haul truck bearing political slogans related to Iran’s monarchy entering the area of the protest and moving directly through a group of demonstrators.
Witnesses reported that as the truck approached the crowd, several protesters attempted to block its path, striking the vehicle and trying to pull the driver out.
In some footage, individuals can be seen attempting to remove or cover slogans displayed on the truck. Despite these efforts, the driver continued inching forward and ultimately drove into people in the crowd.
Authorities stated that multiple individuals were injured in the incident.
While no fatalities have been confirmed, witnesses described the situation as chaotic and potentially deadly.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and treated victims, while law enforcement worked to secure the area.
Police said individuals on the ground attempted to confront the person inside the U-Haul prior to the vehicle moving through the crowd.
Officers subsequently established a perimeter and began moving demonstrators away from the emergency response zone to allow first responders to operate safely.
The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet released the identity of the driver or confirmed whether the incident is being investigated as an intentional act or a traffic-related offense.
Officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further details will be provided as they become available.