Additional Coverage:
- Portland man sentenced to 30 months in prison for throwing rock at ICE officer during protest (foxnews.com)
A Portland man has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer during protests at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility last year. Robert Jacob Hoopes pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon.
Court documents reveal that during a June 2025 protest, Hoopes threw a rock that struck an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer in the face, causing significant injury. Prosecutors noted the officer sustained a wound that bled heavily, impaired his vision, and required medical treatment beyond basic first aid.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott Bradford emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “Today’s message is clear – violence is not a protest. When you cross the line and assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted.”
In addition to his prison term, Hoopes was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay over $8,000 in restitution.
The FBI identified Hoopes using facial recognition technology after analyzing a photo from a protest published by OregonLive.com. The software generated several potential matches, leading investigators to a Reed College photo where a tattoo on the forearm matched one seen on the suspect during the incident.
Hoopes’ father described his son as a lifelong Quaker committed to pacifism but did not comment on his specific role in the protest. “He is deeply committed to justice,” he told KATU.
This case is part of broader efforts by the Justice Department to prosecute individuals accused of assaulting federal officers during protests related to immigration enforcement policies. Similar confrontations have recently occurred outside immigration detention centers in other states, including New Jersey, where dozens have been arrested during demonstrations.