Federal law enforcement officers came under violent attack in Portland Wednesday night after a crowd targeted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.
According to Breitbart, approximately 250 individuals used fireworks, high-powered lasers, and suspected explosive devices in an overnight confrontation with federal officers, which led to several arrests and an ongoing federal investigation.
The incident occurred outside an ICE field office in Portland, Oregon, where demonstrators gathered in what officials described as a protest against immigration enforcement operations. As tensions escalated, members of the crowd began launching fireworks and explosives toward officers stationed at the facility.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the demonstrators also used lasers aimed directly at the officers' eyes. DHS officials said the intent was to cause temporary blindness and disrupt their ability to respond to the crowd. “Last night, Portland rioters violently targeted federal law enforcement,” the department said in a statement. Five individuals were arrested during the protest, facing charges that included assault on federal officers.
Spike in Violence Raises Safety Concerns
Federal officials noted the rise in such assaults, stating that law enforcement has experienced a 413% jump in attacks compared to past figures. DHS emphasized concern over the safety of officers serving in high-risk environments while enforcing federal law.
“We won’t sit idly by and watch these cowards,” read a portion of the DHS statement, referencing those who commit violent acts during protests. “Our officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line.” The department stressed that federal agents would continue to carry out their duties despite the spike in confrontations. They reaffirmed that legal action would be taken against anyone who harms law enforcement personnel during demonstrations or riots.
Separate Federal Case Unfolds in Texas and California
In a related development, federal authorities announced charges against a Texas resident they allege planned to carry out violent actions in connection with anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. The case involves a 48-year-old man identified as Grzegorz Vandenberg, who has been charged with transporting explosives across state lines with the intent to harm.
The U.S. Department of Justice said that on June 12, Vandenberg purchased fireworks and devices suspected to be explosives at a travel center in Lordsburg, New Mexico. Witnesses stated that he inquired about fireworks capable of being thrown at people to cause injury. During his visit to the store, Vandenberg also claimed to have military special forces experience and boasted that he possessed the ability to construct pipe bombs, according to the DOJ press release.
Alleged Plans to Harm Officials and Officers
Federal investigators allege that Vandenberg declared his intention to travel to California to participate in the riots. While at the travel center, he reportedly informed employees that he intended to kill law enforcement officers and government officials during these events.
Further alarming details came to light when Vandenberg allegedly tried to recruit one of the store’s staff. He is said to have encouraged the employee to join his self-labeled “platoon” in California, asking for the largest explosives available. The criminal charge filed against him specifies transportation of explosives in interstate commerce, coupled with knowledge and intention for violent use. If convicted, Vandenberg could face significant prison time for planning a lethal attack on officials.
Federal Agencies Warn Against Growing Threat
The Department of Justice emphasized that his arrest is part of broader efforts to prevent violence linked to protest activity. Officials reiterated that while individuals retain the right to demonstrate, acts of violence and threats against law enforcement will not be tolerated.
DHS, meanwhile, drew a sharp contrast between the constitutional right to protest and what it deems criminal rioting. Officials stated that direct attacks on officers cross a clear legal boundary and would be pursued vigorously. Both the Portland demonstration and the federal case against Vandenberg highlight the increasing volatility of protests centered around immigration-related policy, with enforcement agencies struggling to balance public safety with the right to assemble.
Officials Emphasize Need for Lawful Protests
The DHS reiterated its commitment to protecting federal personnel and called on community leaders to discourage violence. The agency stated its dedication to ensuring individuals exercising free speech can do so peacefully, without interference or threat to others.
As investigations continue into both the Portland attack and Vandenberg’s alleged conspiracy, authorities are expected to gather additional evidence and pursue further legal actions where applicable. Law enforcement agencies have asked the public to report suspicious behavior linked to planned violence. While the outcomes of the Portland arrests and charges against Vandenberg remain to be determined in court, both incidents underline the growing challenge of managing civil unrest combined with credible threats of violence against U.S. law enforcement institutions.
