Story perspectives

Homeland Security Links Gang to Arrested Portland Protests

1/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

On January 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security linked Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras to Tren de Aragua gang.
Luis David Nino-Moncada was described as 'criminal illegal alien' with a DUI arrest.
Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras was accused of involvement in a prostitution ring and a previous shooting.
Protests in Portland followed the shootings, with six arrests.
Attorneys for both individuals dismissed DHS claims as unfounded and inflammatory.

History

Historical Context

The Tren de Aragua gang, which originated in Venezuela in 2008, has expanded its influence across Latin America and into the United States, where it was first reported in Chicago in October 2023. The U.S. Department of Justice highlights the gang's involvement in human trafficking, with thousands of victims annually, underscoring the challenges of transnational crime and its impact on local communities.

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Story summary

On January 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security linked Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras to Tren de Aragua gang.
Luis David Nino-Moncada was described as 'criminal illegal alien' with a DUI arrest.
Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras was accused of involvement in a prostitution ring and a previous shooting.
Protests in Portland followed the shootings, with six arrests.
Attorneys for both individuals dismissed DHS claims as unfounded and inflammatory.

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