Portland top cop confirms Tren de Aragua ties of people who attacked Border Patrol agents, then CRIES and APOLOGIZES to Latinos for 'victim blaming'

Portland Police Chief Bob Day became emotional Friday as he confirmed new information showing that two people shot by a US Customs and Border Protection agent in Portland who allegedly tried to run over the officials with their car have ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. He then apologized to the Latino community for “victim blaming.” 

Day confirmed a Department of Homeland Security statement identifying the two individuals, Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, as Venezuelan nationals believed to be in the United States illegally with suspected links to the violent Tren de Aragua gang as well as a prostitution ring. Both were shot Thursday after a Border Patrol agent fired in self-defense, federal officials said, when Moncada allegedly attempted to run over the agents.

During the news conference, Day choked up as he confirmed the suspected gang affiliation and explained why he initially hesitated to disclose that information, citing concern about “historic injustice of victim blaming” by law enforcement.

"They do have some nexus to involvement with TDA. We can confirm that," Day said as he began tearing up.

"I want to speak for just a moment, specifically to my Latino community," Day continued. "It saddens me that we even have to qualify these remarks because I understand or at least have attempted to understand your voices, your concern, your fear, your anger.”

Day added that the disclosure “in no way is meant to disparage or to condone or support or agree with any of the actions that occurred.” He said that it is important the department “stay committed to the rule of law, that we stay committed to the facts, that we stay a trustworthy and legitimate police department for all Portlanders.”

Both individuals remain hospitalized in stable condition and are in federal custody, according to Fox News. DHS has rejected early reports that the pair were a married couple, stating that Moncada was identified as a suspected gang associate and that Zambrano-Contreras was allegedly involved in a Tren de Aragua-linked prostitution operation.