Portland Police Chief Bob Day drew national attention Friday after becoming visibly emotional while confirming that two individuals shot during a federal enforcement operation have suspected ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).
Day paused repeatedly, wiping his eyes as he told reporters the individuals “do have some nexus to involvement” with the organization.
He explained he initially hesitated to release the information out of concern for the “historic injustice of victim blaming.”
The events prompting Day’s emotional briefing unfolded Thursday afternoon near an Adventist Health clinic in Southeast Portland.
Federal agents reported that during a vehicle stop, the driver reportedly used his car in a threatening manner toward officers, prompting one agent to fire a defensive shot.
Both occupants were struck, transported to a local hospital and placed under federal custody, where officials said they are in stable condition.
Authorities later confirmed the identities of the individuals involved: the driver, Luis David Nico Moncada, and the passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras.
Both are Venezuelan nationals who had previously entered the United States illegally and were released while awaiting immigration proceedings.
Federal officials said the pair are suspected of involvement with TdA, a violent transnational gang linked to criminal activity across multiple countries.
While Portland police are assisting federal authorities, Chief Day emphasized that the department is not leading the shooting investigation.
He clarified that acknowledging suspected gang ties does not determine whether the agent’s use of force was legally justified and noted the information was shared solely to maintain transparency during the ongoing inquiry.
The chief’s emotional reaction drew immediate criticism from federal officials.
ICE Director Todd Lyons questioned Day’s response on Fox News, stating, “I have no IDEA what he’s crying about!”
Lyons noted that Border Patrol agents were conducting a legitimate operation on suspected gang members and defended the decision to use force.
“I would think that he would be HAPPY that we take these criminal elements out of his neighborhoods,” Lyons added, reiterating that the shooting was an act of self-defense in a dangerous situation.
Social media users reacted sharply to Day’s display.
One X user wrote, “What a complete idiot. Man up dude,” while another commented, “This def. needs to be a @SouthPark episode lol.”
Additional posts labeled Day “a disgrace,” questioning his priorities and criticizing his emotional demeanor.
These online criticisms have fueled growing calls for Day to resign, particularly among critics who argue city leadership should publicly support law enforcement confronting organized criminal gangs.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson responded by urging Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to temporarily suspend operations until a local review is completed.
Demonstrations near an ICE facility Thursday night led to several arrests as tensions escalated between protesters and law enforcement, according to KOIN.
The Portland shooting comes after a separate high-profile federal enforcement incident in Minneapolis, where a protestor was fatally shot during an ICE operation after she allegedly tried to run over an agent.
Together, these events have intensified debate over sanctuary city policies, federal law enforcement authority and public safety nationwide.
As investigations continue, Chief Day asked residents to trust the legal process while reaffirming his commitment to transparency and facts.
The incident underscores the challenges local leaders face in balancing public safety, federal enforcement and community trust amid heightened scrutiny.
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