A Portland man pleaded guilty in federal court after a protest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland turned violent. Authorities say an ICE officer was hit in the face by a large rock, and protesters used an upended stop sign to damage the agency’s front doors.
A Portland man pleaded guilty today after assaulting a federal officer at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
— FBI Portland (@FBIPortland) February 18, 2026
Robert Jacob Hoopes, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon resulting in bodily… pic.twitter.com/4C1Tf2ZfAW
Plea and charge
Robert Jacob Hoopes entered a guilty plea on Wednesday to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury, according to the FBI Portland on their X account. The plea resolves the most serious count that prosecutors had filed after months of pretrial motions and delays.
What prosecutors say happened
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the case traces back to a June 14 protest outside the ICE building in South Portland. Prosecutors say Hoopes threw several large rocks, one of which allegedly struck an ICE officer and caused a significant laceration above the officer's eye.
The U.S. Attorney's Office also alleges that Hoopes and two others flipped a stop sign and used it as a makeshift battering ram, significantly damaging the facility's main entry door.
Investigation and arrest
Federal authorities say they identified Hoopes using photos and commercially available facial-recognition tools, then arrested him on July 25, 2025 after a period of surveillance, reporting by Oregon Public Broadcasting shows.
Local coverage by the Portland Mercury and others detailed how Reed College's community-safety office supplied identifying information to investigators, a move that drew scrutiny from some students and alumni.
Legal consequences
The aggravated-assault charge against a federal officer can carry up to 20 years in federal prison, and depredation of federal property in excess of $1,000 can add up to 10 years, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
With Hoopes' guilty plea now entered, the case is moving toward sentencing in federal court. Court records and public notices did not immediately list a sentencing date.
Supporters and reaction
Hoopes has drawn vocal support from family, friends and members of Portland's Quaker community, who have described him as a pacifist and attended earlier hearings, Friends Journal reported.
Defense attorneys earlier questioned whether the evidence clearly showed Hoopes committing the alleged acts and sought continuances while they reviewed discovery.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon and the FBI are handling the prosecution and investigation. Public documents and federal filings remain the primary source for the details prosecutors are relying on in the case.
