ICE Agents Shoot Two in Portland, Leaving Community on Edge

PORTLAND, Ore.  — The quiet of a Thursday afternoon in Northeast Portland was shattered by gunfire. Residents say they heard shouting, the sharp crack of shots, and then the sound of sirens racing toward Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside Street. By the time police arrived, a man and a woman lay wounded, the scene cordoned off by officers as neighbors watched in shock.

Both victims were treated on-site before being rushed to a hospital. Officials have not released their current conditions. Police confirmed they did not fire any shots. Instead, the incident involved ICE agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The FBI has now taken over the investigation, leaving many questions unanswered about why the shooting happened.

“It’s scary to see this happening on your street”

For residents, the shooting is more than a headline—it’s personal. “I’ve lived here for over 20 years,” said one neighbor, speaking on condition of anonymity. “You hear about these things happening downtown, but never this close to home. It’s scary to see this happening on your street.”

Portland has long been a flashpoint for tension between federal officers and local communities. Critics argue that the presence of federal law enforcement often escalates conflicts rather than calming them. Activists warn that incidents like Thursday’s shooting deepen mistrust and anger, potentially sparking protests or confrontations similar to those seen in previous years.

Leaders call for answers

Portland’s mayor called the shooting “deeply troubling” and emphasized the need for accountability for all law enforcement, whether local or federal. City leaders say residents deserve answers: How did a routine day erupt into violence? Were proper protocols followed?

The FBI investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances, but for now, the incident highlights a broader struggle in Portland: how to balance public safety with oversight and community trust.

A city on edge

Portland has seen numerous officer-involved shootings and confrontations in recent years, each leaving a mark on residents’ sense of security. Thursday’s events serve as a stark reminder that federal law enforcement remains a controversial presence in the city, and the public is watching closely.

For many, the questions extend beyond who pulled the trigger. They ask how Portland can ensure that federal law enforcement protects the community without putting it in harm’s way. Until answers are provided, the streets of Northeast Portland remain a tense reminder of that uncertainty.