DHS’s account of two Venezuelans shot by border patrol falls apart in court: ‘A smear campaign’

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 9 min read 100% complete by Sam LevinFebruary 3, 2026 at 01:09 AM

AI Summary

long article 9 min

After a US border patrol agent shot two Venezuelan immigrants, Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras and Luis Niño-Moncada, in Portland, Oregon on January 8th, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated they were gang members who attempted to run over officers. However, court records and an FBI affidavit contradict key parts of the DHS narrative. A prosecutor stated in court that Niño-Moncada was not suggested to be a gang member, and Zambrano-Contreras was a reported victim, not a suspect, in a prior shooting cited by the DHS. Niño-Moncada faces charges of aggravated assault of an officer, while Zambrano-Contreras pleaded guilty to improper entry to the US. Experts have characterized the government's communications as a smear campaign, citing mischaracterizations and unsubstantiated allegations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Renee Nicole Good 35% FBI 40% Portland ×250% Department of Justice 50% US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 55% Venezuela ×260% Tren de Aragua ×265% United States ×270% Yorlenys Zambrano-Contreras ×685% Luis Niño-Moncada ×585% Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ×690%

Keywords

border patrol shooting 90% dhs 80% smear campaign 70% venezuelan immigrants 70% misinformation 60% tren de aragua 50% court records 50% aggravated assault 40%