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.
DALLAS, Texas — March 3, 2026, 7:31 p.m. ET — A man was taken into custody Tuesday evening outside a Dallas hotel where Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was scheduled to host his election night watch party.
Officers with the Dallas Police Department detained the individual shortly before 6:00 p.m. Central time outside the Marriott Dallas Uptown.
It was not immediately clear whether the detention was directly related to the political event.
According to witnesses, the man had been driving a blue sedan parked near the hotel entrance. During a search of the vehicle, officers were seen removing what appeared to be ammunition compatible with multiple types of firearms.
Police also appeared to retrieve a license plate from inside the vehicle. Observers noted that the car did not display visible plates at the time.
The individual was reportedly wearing a camouflage face covering, sunglasses, a hat, and gloves while outside the hotel.
A member of Paxton’s campaign staff stated that the man had briefly entered the hotel and requested to use the restroom.
The staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, said the man claimed to be an Uber driver. However, the staffer expressed skepticism, citing the absence of license plates on the vehicle.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the individual was armed when he entered the hotel, nor have they publicly specified the reason for his detention.
Doors for the event were scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m., with campaign staff and members of the media already inside the venue.
Polls across most of Texas were set to close at 7:00 p.m., and Paxton is expected to address supporters later in the evening.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details have not yet been released.