Press Release: ICS Condemns DHS Shootings in Portland

Frank Garcia, Executive Director of Immigration Counseling Service (ICS), issued the following statement in response to reports that federal agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shot two individuals—Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras—in East Portland on January 8. The shootings occurred shortly after the fatal shootings of Keith Porter and Renee Nicole Good by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers:

“ICS is outraged and saddened by continued violence against the immigrant community in Portland and across the United States. We share our deepest sorrows with those affected by the violence of this administration, including the 32 immigrants killed in ICE custody last year—making it ICE’s deadliest year in two decades.

“These acts of violence underscore a troubling pattern of militarized immigration enforcement that undermines public safety and erodes fundamental rights. Our communities deserve accountability, not fear.

“ICS joins other immigration advocates in calling for a comprehensive investigation into the East Portland shooting, including substantial oversight from local and state authorities. Solely relying on information provided by DHS is insufficient, given the department’s documented history of misleading the public and violating due process.

“DHS’s actions represent systemic abuse and reflect the dangerous militarization of law enforcement. When rights are stripped away and accountability disappears, the very principles of democracy are at risk. ICS remains committed to advocating for justice, transparency, and the protection of civil liberties for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

“It is also important to remain calm, de-escalate volatile situations when in harm’s way, and provide fact-based reporting during these challenging times. Misreporting ICE presence can also cause fear and contribute to the isolation of our immigrant neighbors. We encourage anyone who believes they are witnessing ICE activity in Oregon to immediately contact the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) hotline at 1-888-622-1510.”