Luis Nino-Moncada, a 33-year-old Venezuelan national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty on July 28 to felony Depredation of Government Property, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
Court documents state that on January 8, Nino-Moncada drove into the parking lot of Adventist Health Portland in a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with a female passenger. A Border Patrol agent parked his government-issued black Hyundai Sonata behind their vehicle as six agents exited and surrounded the truck to arrest both occupants for being unlawfully present in the country. Nino-Moncada believed they were “ICE” agents and began forcefully ramming his pickup truck by backing up and striking the Hyundai several times. During this incident, others were placed at risk of serious bodily injury, which Nino-Moncada was conscious of or recklessly disregarded. As he rammed into the Hyundai Sonata, a federal officer fired his service weapon at him. The government vehicle was declared a total loss.
Nino-Moncada faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to pay $24,413 in restitution. He also admitted that he is not a U.S. citizen and is subject to an order of removal entered by an Immigration Judge in November 2024. Sentencing is scheduled for September 16 before a U.S. district court judge.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations under the Department of Homeland Security.
Scott Bradford has served as U.S. Attorney after holding roles such as Chief of the White Collar Unit and Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, according to the official website. The U.S. Attorney for Oregon engages in community outreach across Oregon; maintains offices in Portland, Eugene and Medford; employs 107 staff members; operates under one of 93 such offices nationwide within the Department of Justice; and seeks justice while fostering trust in federal courts according to its official website.