FBI Unable to Find Video Evidence of Border Patrol Shooting in Portland

According to a recently revealed court document from the FBI, there is an absence of video evidence showing a shooting incident where a Border Patrol officer injured two individuals during an immigration operation in Portland.

In statements to investigators, agents relayed that one of their team opened fire when a truck reversed and collided multiple times with an empty rental vehicle belonging to the agents, damaging its lights and removing the front bumper. The agents expressed concern for their personal safety and public welfare at that moment.

The FBI has gathered testimonies from four of the six officers present, while the identity of the shooter remains undisclosed.

This shooting followed another federal agent's use of a firearm the previous day. The Department of Homeland Security has identified the injured truck occupants as illegal entrants to the U.S. with ties to the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua.

On-site, none of the six border agents were using body cameras, and agents have found no supportive video materials, as detailed by FBI Special Agent Daniel Jeffreys in a sworn statement pressing charges for assault and property damage against the driver, Luis David Nino-Moncada.

After fleeing the scene of the incident, which took place at a medical building parking lot, Nino-Moncada dialed 911 upon reaching an apartment complex. He was eventually apprehended by the FBI after receiving medical treatment for arm and abdomen gunshot injuries.

Facing initial proceedings in a Portland federal courtroom on Monday, he appeared in a white sweatsuit, cautiously holding his wounded arm.

During the hearing, an interpreter relayed the proceedings to Nino-Moncada, who was ordered to remain in custody pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

In his affidavit, the agent noted that once rights were communicated, Nino-Moncada acknowledged deliberately hitting the Border Patrol car in an escape effort, and he was aware that they were law enforcement.

The Justice Department, via a Monday release, described the damage to their vehicle as extensive, showing photos with severe front bumper and headlight damage.

Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, the passenger, who endured a chest injury, is currently held in a Tacoma, Washington private immigration center. She is charged with illegal U.S. entry, filed by Texas prosecutors last week.

Responses from Portland's municipal leader and Oregon’s Governor about the incident have urged a reevaluation of federal immigration activities. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, condemning the events, highlighted a call for accountability for agents involved in nationwide violence.

The Department of Homeland Security reported both suspects as Venezuelan nationals who illegally crossed into the U.S. during the past two years, with Nino-Moncada believed to be Tren de Aragua-affiliated and Zambrano-Contreras linked to a gang-run prostitution scheme.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, addressing the charges against Nino-Moncada, emphasized a strong stance against assaults on law enforcement and advocated for his permanent removal from the U.S.

Oregon's Federal Public Defender, Fidel Cassino-DuCloux, criticized the circumstances as reflective of a recurring strategy to justify reckless governmental action, arguing for credible defense and transparency.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day pointed out the duo's gang links, noting their brief involvement in investigative operations relating to a previous gang-related shooting, though not as suspects then.

Zambrano-Contreras previously faced prostitution charges, while Nino-Moncada was present during a related search operation.