Bill Melugin Destroys Portland Dem Rep Who Rushed to Defend Tren de Aragua Thugs [WATCH]

Democratic leaders and allied activists have sharply criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies in recent weeks as immigration enforcement actions have expanded, often issuing statements before full details of incidents are confirmed.

One such case unfolded in Portland, Oregon, where Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin confronted Rep. Maxine Dexter, D-Ore., over remarks she made following a shooting authorities said involved individuals connected to the Tren de Aragua gang.

The encounter occurred after Dexter released a public statement addressing a shooting in Portland involving suspects authorities later said had ties to Tren de Aragua, a violent transnational gang.

Here was Congresswoman Dexter’s statement immediately after the news broke that Border Patrol (not ICE) had shot two people in Portland.https://t.co/bbv4zUMilJ

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 13, 2026

The incident drew immediate political reaction, with Dexter criticizing federal law enforcement and suggesting misconduct by agents.

Melugin approached Dexter as she was leaving a building and questioned her about the accuracy and timing of her claims.

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According to video of the exchange, Dexter initially denied issuing a statement about the incident.

Melugin challenged that assertion, telling her that she had, in fact, released one. Dexter then attempted to clarify her remarks.

“No, I made a statement, I did not say anything about whether or not those folks were rightfully…” Dexter said before trailing off.

Melugin pointed out that Dexter’s statement included an incorrect characterization of the federal agency involved in the shooting.

“You said ICE is terrorizing the community,” Melugin said.

“It wasn’t ICE, it was Border Patrol.”

Dexter then shifted her criticism, claiming the agents involved failed to follow due process.

She did not cite evidence to support that assertion.

Melugin pressed her further on that point and on the background of the suspects involved in the shooting.

Authorities have said the individuals involved in the Portland incident had ties to Tren de Aragua.

Dexter pushed back on that description, insisting the connection had not been established.

“Alleged is not due process,” Dexter said.

Melugin continued questioning Dexter about whether she considered suspected Tren de Aragua members to be part of her community.

By the end of the exchange, Dexter responded by emphasizing community solidarity.

“We have to show up for our community,” Dexter said.

She also repeated her claim that residents were being “terrorized” without “any detainment or due process,” again without offering specific evidence tied to the incident.

Law enforcement officials, however, have provided additional details about the Portland shooting.

According to authorities, the suspected driver involved in the incident allegedly rammed a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle multiple times before the shooting occurred.

The chief of the Portland Police Bureau later confirmed that the driver and another individual involved had ties to Tren de Aragua.

Those details formed the basis of Melugin’s questioning, as he pressed Dexter on why she issued a statement criticizing federal agents before those facts were fully aired publicly.

The exchange highlighted a broader debate playing out nationally, as Democratic lawmakers and activists criticize immigration enforcement actions while federal agencies emphasize officer safety and criminal gang involvement.

The confrontation also showcased contrasting approaches to covering immigration enforcement incidents.

While some outlets have reported early political reactions and allegations from elected officials, Melugin’s questioning focused on discrepancies between Dexter’s claims and information released by law enforcement.

The Portland shooting has become a flashpoint in the wider political debate over immigration enforcement, criminal gangs, and federal authority.

Dexter’s comments reflected concerns raised by some Democrats about due process and the treatment of communities during enforcement actions.

Law enforcement officials, meanwhile, have emphasized the alleged criminal behavior involved in the incident, including the ramming of a federal vehicle and confirmed gang ties.

As immigration enforcement remains a central national issue, the exchange between Melugin and Dexter illustrated how quickly narratives can form following high-profile incidents and how those narratives can be challenged when reporters press for specifics.

The Portland case continues to be cited by both critics and defenders of federal immigration enforcement as debates over public safety, due process, and political accountability intensify.