In a highly charged moment that quickly went viral, Portland Police Chief Bob Day became visibly emotional during a January 9, 2026, press conference, wiping away tears as he addressed the community following a shooting involving a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent.
The incident occurred on January 8, when federal agents conducted a targeted vehicle stop in Portland. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the two individuals in the vehicle—identified as Venezuelan nationals Luis David Nino Moncada (the driver) and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras (the passenger)—allegedly “weaponized” their vehicle against the agents by attempting to run them over. A Border Patrol agent fired in self-defense, wounding both. The pair fled the scene, later sought medical help, and were taken into federal custody. Both remain in stable condition.
Portland Police Chief cries while speaking to the Hispanic community after two suspected Tren De Aragua gang members were shot by a US Border Agent pic.twitter.com/5K4s5z60HS
— Anthony Brian Logan (ABL)
(@ANTHONYBLOGAN) January 11, 2026
DHS described the individuals as “criminal illegal aliens” with suspected ties to the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), which the U.S. State Department has designated a foreign terrorist organization. Moncada reportedly had prior driving violations and a removal order, while Zambrano-Contreras was linked to a gang-related prostitution ring.
At the press conference the following day, Chief Day confirmed the “nexus” to TdA, aligning with DHS statements. However, he emphasized hesitation in releasing the details, citing concerns over the “historic injustice of victim blaming” and a desire not to disparage or condone the events. He stressed commitment to facts, the rule of law, and transparency.
Day grew tearful while speaking directly to Portland’s Latino community, acknowledging their fear and anger amid heightened national tensions over immigration enforcement—including a separate fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis the day prior. “It saddens me that we even have to qualify these remarks,” he said, his voice breaking as he wiped his eyes. He urged calm and safety in any protests that might follow.
The chief’s display of emotion drew sharp reactions. Conservative outlets and commentators mocked it as excessive sympathy for criminal suspects over law enforcement or public safety, with some calling for his resignation and labeling it emblematic of “soft” leadership in sanctuary jurisdictions. Others defended his transparency and empathy in a polarized climate.
The shooting remains under federal investigation, with Oregon’s Department of Justice also probing the agents’ actions. Protests erupted outside Portland’s ICE facility, leading to arrests, while community leaders called for de-escalation and accountability.
The episode highlights deep divisions over immigration enforcement, gang threats, and local-federal cooperation in cities like Portland.
SOURCES:
Portland police chief tearfully confirms CBP shooting victims’ alleged TdA ties | Fox News
Former DHS official Cuccinelli slams Portland police chief over Venezuelan gang | Fox News
Police chief cries, admits DHS was right about Tren de Aragua connection in CBP shooting
Officials Identify Pair Shot by Border Patrol in Portland, Ore. – The New York Times
Blubbering Portland Police Chief Admits DHS Was Right About Border Patrol Shooting, Tren De Aragua
The post Portland Police Chief’s Emotional Press Conference on Border Patrol Shooting Sparks Debate appeared first on Anthony Brian Logan.