Justice Department Charges Gang-Linked Undocumented Immigrant in Violent Portland Border Patrol Attack
The Justice Department has charged Luis Nino-Moncada, an undocumented immigrant and associated member of the Tren de Aragua (TdA), for violently striking a federal law enforcement vehicle in Portland, Ore. The incident reportedly endangered Border Patrol agents and caused significant damage to federal property.
Nino-Moncada has been charged with aggravated assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property over $1,000. He is in the U.S. illegally and had previously been ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2024. The incident occurred during a targeted immigration enforcement operation where Border Patrol agents aimed to apprehend a female involved with a TdA prostitution ring.
During the enforcement operation, Nino-Moncada allegedly reversed his vehicle and collided with an unoccupied Border Patrol vehicle multiple times, resulting in extensive damage including a torn front bumper, destroyed headlights and various dents to the body of the vehicle.
The Border Patrol operation targeted a vehicle associated with a female passenger believed to be involved in criminal activities including a previous arrest in El Paso, Texas and a connection to a shooting during a prostitution deal. After the vehicle collision, both Nino-Moncada and the female fled the scene.
A Border Patrol agent interviewed by special agents from the FBI expressed fear for their safety due to Nino-Moncada's actions. An interview following the incident revealed that he admitted to intentionally ramming the Border Patrol vehicle, confirming he was aware it was an immigration enforcement vehicle.
Nino-Moncada is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court on Monday at 1:30 p.m. PST. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "Anyone who crosses the red line of assaulting law enforcement will be met with the full force of this Justice Department."
