Violent Protester Charged for Injuring Officer, Damaging ICE Building in Portland

Portland Man Faces Federal Charges for Alleged Assault on ICE Officer and Property Damage

A 24-year-old man from Portland has appeared in federal court for the first time, facing serious charges related to an alleged assault on a federal officer and damage to federal property during a protest. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced that Robert Hoopes was charged with aggravated assault of a federal officer using a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property exceeding $1,000.

The charges stem from what authorities described as a “violent protest” that took place on June 14 at the South Portland ICE building. According to court documents and information presented in court, the incident involved Border Protection tactical officers and ICE Enforcement and Removal Officers who were stationed inside the Macadam Ave. ICE facility to protect it from “violent protestors outside.” During the event, numerous individuals attempted to breach the front door of the facility.

As officers opened the door to clear obstructions, Hoopes approached and threw a rock into the opening, striking an ICE ERO officer in the face from close range. This resulted in significant injury, including a two-inch gash above the officer’s eyebrow. Later that day, Hoopes and two others used a stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, causing more than $7,000 in damage to the main entry door of the ICE building.

Hoopes was identified through a photo taken during the protest and was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on July 25. Authorities used facial recognition software provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which generated 30 possible comparison photos from public databases. FBI Portland reviewed these images and found one from a Reed College “SmugMug photo-sharing page,” titled “Canyon Day April 23,” that showed a man with a similar build, appearance, and tattoo as Hoopes.

The software also led investigators to an Instagram account with a matching profile name and bio, which stated, “Reed CS 2023.” Further investigation revealed that Hoopes graduated from Reed College in 2023 with a degree in computer science.

During Monday’s court appearance, Hoopes was released from custody pending trial. KOIN 6 News has reached out to an attorney representing Hoopes, and the story will be updated if a response is received.

Aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon resulting in injury is a felony that can carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Damage to federal property exceeding $1,000 is also a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Since June 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 23 people with offenses committed at the ICE building. These charges include arson, assaulting federal officers, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of federal property.

This case highlights the ongoing legal consequences for individuals involved in acts of violence or property damage during protests, particularly when targeting federal facilities. As the legal process continues, further details about Hoopes’ actions and potential defenses may come to light.