'Smear campaign' exposed as DHS attacks on shot immigrants immediately unravel in court

After a US Border Patrol Agent shot two Venezuelan immigrants in Portland, Oregon, in January, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that the two victims were “vicious Tren de Aragua gang members” who “weaponized their vehicle” against federal agents, who had no choice but to open fire in self-defense.

However, court records obtained by the Guardian reveal that a Department of Justice prosecutor subsequently told a judge the government was “not suggesting” that one of the victims, Luis Niño-Moncada, was a gang member.