UPDATE: Border Patrol agents shoot 2 people in East Portland during ‘targeted traffic stop,’ DHS says

PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW) — Two people were shot by federal law Customs and Border Protection agents Thursday afternoon in East Portland, the Portland Police Bureau confirmed. Both were taken to the hospital, with their conditions unknown.

PPB officers responded to Southeast Main Street near I-205, the location of Adventist Health Portland, for a report of the shooting at 2:18 p.m. Officers confirmed at the scene that federal agents were involved in the shooting, which happened in the hospital parking lot, KGW reported.

At 2:24 p.m., police learned that a man who had been shot was calling to request help near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside. Portland police officers responded and found a man and a woman with apparent gunshot wounds.

PPB said they applied a tourniquet and called for emergency medical help. Both patients were taken to the hospital, and PPB said their conditions are unknown. Police confirmed they were connected to the shooting involving federal agents.

Police have secured both scenes for an investigation. East Burnside is closed westbound between Northeast 145th Avenue and 148th Avenue.

"We are still in the early stages of this incident," said Chief Bob Day. "We understand the heightened emotion and tension many are feeling in the wake of the shooting in Minneapolis, but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more."

In a statement, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said that both of the people shot were affiliated with the gang Tren de Aragua:

“At 2:19 PST, U.S. Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Portland, Oregon. The passenger of the vehicle and target is a Venezuelan illegal alien affiliated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and involved in a recent shooting in Portland. The vehicle driver is believed to be a member of the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. When agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents. 

"Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot. The driver drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene. This situation is evolving and more information is forthcoming.”

Staff at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center confirmed to KGW that the hospital was on lockdown shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. OHSU said it was not on lockdown.

At Adventist Health Portland, located on Southeast Main Street by I-205, a KGW crew saw an area outside the hospital surrounded with yellow police tape, with Portland police officers and ICE agents on-scene. Staff confirmed that there had been an incident in one of the parking lots.

In the middle of the roped-off parking lot, KGW saw a damaged vehicle with its doors open.

In a tweet, FBI Portland said it was the lead agency investigating an "agent involved shooting" involving "Customs and Border Patrol" officers — referring either to Border Patrol or the overarching agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection — and that two people were wounded. They later deleted the tweet.

FBI agents could be seen Thursday afternoon at the scene on East Burnside, where Portland police found the two injured people.

The incident Thursday happened to coincide with a protest against ICE happening downtown. Demonstrators planned to go up to Mayor Keith Wilson's office at city hall to demand he revoke the permit for the ICE facility in Portland, spurred on by the agency's recent deadly shooting of a woman in Minneapolis.

RELATED: Mayor Wilson responds to Minnesota governor after deadly ICE shooting

But outside Wilson's office, a constituent consultant told the small group of demonstrators that there'd been an incident in the city involving ICE, and that the mayor was in an emergency meeting.

Almost simultaneously, around 2:40 p.m., Portland City Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney abruptly broke into an ongoing debate over the election of a new council president, saying that the council needed to immediately go on recess.

Just before 4 p.m., Pirtle-Guiney returned and adjourned the meeting for the day, after looking to reschedule for Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Minutes later, Mayor Keith Wilson put out a statement, saying in part:

"We cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts. Portland is not a 'training ground' for militarized agents, and the 'full force' threatened by the administration has deadly consequences. As Mayor, I call on ICE to end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed.

"Federal militarization undermines effective, community‑based public safety, and it runs counter to the values that define our region. I will use every legal and legislative tool available to protect our residents' civil and human rights.

"I call on every Portlander to represent our values and to show up with calm and purpose during this difficult time. Portland does not respond to violence with violence. We respond with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice. We must stand together to protect Portland.

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and other lawmakers released statements after the shooting.

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley statement:

Huge concern about a reported shooting of two individuals by federal agents outside Portland Adventist Hospital. My team and I are closely monitoring this situation and are working hard to get answers. I will share any updates as I learn more. Please keep protests of Trump’s ICE/CBP peaceful, as Trump wants to generate riots. Don’t take the bait.Sen. Jeff Merkley"

Senator Ron Wyden statement:

I'm monitoring the first awful reports of two people shot in Portland by federal law enforcement. I'll keep you updated, but Trump's deployment of federal agents in my hometown is clearly inflaming violence -- and must end.

Rep. Janelle Bynum statement:

This isn’t law enforcement, it’s state-sponsored terrorism,”said Rep. Bynum. “Stop f******g with us. This is the second shooting this week by agents following the orders of a wannabe dictator who is trying to take over cities and rule by instilling terror in the hearts of American people. When the President deployed his guardsmen to our city earlier this year, we told him their presence was unwelcome and unhelpful. Today, we saw just how dangerous this is – we need these goons gone. Get to steppin’.”

Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response to Shooting Involving Federal Officers 

Portland, OR – Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement in response to news that two people were shot and injured by federal agents in Portland’s Hazelwood Neighborhood.

“We are all shaken and outraged by another terrible, unnecessary violent event instigated by the reckless agenda of the Trump administration, this time in our own state, in our largest city, coming just one day after the tragedy in Minnesota. 

“While details remain limited, one thing is clear: when a president endorses tearing families apart, and attempts to govern through fear and hate rather than shared values, he fosters an environment of lawlessness and recklessness.

“I am aligned with Mayor Wilson: the priority right now is a full, completed investigation, not more detentions. The Attorney General, district attorneys, and I have been clear about our concerns with the excessive use of force by federal agents in Portland, and today’s incident only heightens the need for transparency and accountability. Oregonians deserve clear answers.

“There are those who want to cause chaos. But Oregonians know how to stand up and speak out, peacefully. We must remain united in peaceful opposition to efforts to tear our communities apart and turn against one another. We will not take the bait. 

“I am grateful to the first responders who have been on the frontline of today’s events. The state will continue to support Portland, and stand united with Minnesota.”