Man Sentenced for Assaulting Federal Officer During Portland Protest

A man who confessed to assaulting a federal officer during protests at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon, received a 30-month federal prison sentence. This decision was announced on Thursday.

Robert Jacob Hoopes had previously admitted to the charge of aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon. Court documents reveal that during a protest in June 2025, Hoopes threw a rock that hit an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer in the face, resulting in significant injury.

The officer’s wound bled extensively, affecting his vision. He required medical attention beyond basic first aid.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Scott Bradford, emphasized the seriousness of such actions. “Today’s message is clear—violence is not a protest. When you cross the line and assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted.”

Along with the prison term, Hoopes received an order for three years of supervised release and must pay over $8,000 in restitution. FBI investigators used facial recognition technology to identify him.

According to the investigation, a photo published by OregonLive.com was analyzed using commercial facial recognition software. This software generated approximately 30 potential matches. Investigators identified Hoopes through a photograph on a Reed College SmugMug page titled “Canyon Day April ’23”. A tattoo on his forearm matched one seen during the protest.

Tom Hoopes, the father of Robert Hoopes, described his son in an interview as a lifelong Quaker with strong pacifist beliefs. Although he confirmed his son’s participation in the protest, he refrained from elaborating on the specific actions.

The Justice Department continues to prosecute individuals accused of assaulting federal officers during protests related to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Recently, similar clashes outside Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, resulted in numerous arrests. Authorities continue to respond to such incidents with appropriate legal action.