The U.S. Justice Department has announced criminal charges against Luis Nino-Moncada, an illegal immigrant in Portland, Oregon, after a violent attack on Border Patrol agents. Nino-Moncada, connected to a known foreign criminal organization, is accused of deliberately ramming a federal law enforcement vehicle, putting officers in serious danger.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement during immigration enforcement operations. Authorities say the attack caused significant damage to federal property and involved deliberate attempts to escape capture.
Violent Incident During Immigration Enforcement
According to the Justice Department, Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted operation in Portland. The operation focused on a vehicle believed to involve a woman connected to a criminal prostitution ring associated with the Tren de Aragua organization.
When agents approached the vehicle and asked Luis Nino-Moncada to exit, he allegedly reversed the car into a Border Patrol vehicle with full force. The car was struck multiple times in both forward and reverse maneuvers.
A Border Patrol agent who spoke with investigators said they feared Nino-Moncada might strike them or other agents. The repeated collisions caused serious damage to the federal vehicle. The front bumper was torn off, both headlights destroyed, and several panels were dented. The damage also included the fender liner detaching and dents to the driver-side doors.
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After the attack, Nino-Moncada and the female passenger reportedly fled the scene in the vehicle. Law enforcement later confirmed that Nino-Moncada admitted to intentionally ramming the federal vehicle in an effort to escape.
Criminal Charges Filed
The Justice Department has charged Luis Nino-Moncada with aggravated assault of a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon, which in this case was the car. Another charge includes depredation of federal property exceeding $1,000.
Authorities emphasized that Nino-Moncada had previously been ordered removed from the United States in 2024 but remained in the country illegally. In addition, Nino-Moncada is connected to Tren de Aragua, a known criminal group with ties to foreign operations.
The female passenger in the vehicle is also under investigation. She was previously arrested by Border Patrol in Texas and had failed to report to immigration authorities as required. Reports also suggest she may have been involved in a prior shooting linked to criminal activity.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, “Anyone who crosses the red line of assaulting law enforcement will be met with the full force of this Justice Department.” Officials stressed that Nino-Moncada should never have been in the country due to prior removal orders and connections to criminal organizations.
Justice Department Announces Charges Against Illegal Alien, Known Tren de Aragua Associate, for Violent Attack on Border Patrol Agents in Portland, Oregon
“Anyone who crosses the red line of assaulting law enforcement will be met with the full force of this Justice Department,”… pic.twitter.com/zn0IkEBKaG
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) January 12, 2026
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Damage and Law Enforcement Response
The attack left the Border Patrol vehicle heavily damaged. The front bumper was ripped off, headlights were destroyed, and the driver-side quarter panels were dented. This type of destruction not only causes financial loss but also puts law enforcement officers at extreme risk during enforcement operations.
FBI special agents interviewed Border Patrol personnel at the scene. Agents reported fear for their safety as Nino-Moncada repeatedly tried to hit the federal vehicle. Such incidents highlight the dangers officers face when confronting violent individuals who are in the country illegally.
Nino-Moncada is scheduled to make an initial appearance in court in Portland. Federal authorities say the case will be handled according to the law, emphasizing the seriousness of attacking law enforcement officers and damaging federal property.
The Justice Department press release described the incident as a clear example of criminal activity by individuals with ties to organized foreign gangs. The operation that led to the charges was part of a broader law enforcement effort targeting criminal networks and immigration violations in the area.