PORTLAND, Ore. – A late-night law enforcement patrol over Portland skies turned into a dangerous incident last weekend when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter was struck by a laser beam. Federal officials say the beam, aimed from the ground, temporarily endangered the pilot, crew, and anyone beneath the aircraft.
Laser Attack on Federal Aircraft
The incident occurred on the evening of September 27, 2025, while the CBP helicopter was conducting routine operations over Portland. According to authorities, the laser beam originated from a local residence, prompting an immediate investigation.
The FBI Portland Division secured a search warrant for the property. During the raid, agents not only located and seized the laser device believed to have been used in the attack but also arrested four men inside the residence.
Also Read
Four Suspects Taken Into Custody
All four men were determined to be in the United States illegally and were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Federal officials identified the suspects as:
-
Diogenes Albores-Suchiapa – Previously arrested in Gresham for methamphetamine possession and criminal trespass; stopped multiple times by CBP for immigration violations.
-
Andres Brian Lopez-Labra – Has a history of unlawful entry into the U.S. and was recently arrested by Oregon State Police for DUI.
-
Benito Zamora-Alvarez – Reportedly residing illegally in the U.S. since 1994.
-
Hector Miranda Mendoza – Confirmed to be in the country unlawfully.
Authorities said the arrests not only prevented further laser strikes but also removed individuals with histories of repeated immigration violations.
Federal Officials Condemn the Incident
Law enforcement officials underscored the seriousness of the case, emphasizing that shining a laser at any aircraft is a federal crime.
“These four illegal aliens endangered the lives of our CBP personnel, the safety of every other aircraft in flight during the time, and put everyone on the ground in immediate danger,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
She further noted that DHS law enforcement has faced a 1,000% increase in attacks in recent years, underscoring the growing risks federal agents encounter during routine operations.
The FBI Portland Division also issued a statement: “The federal government will not tolerate violence against federal officers, nor will we tolerate assaults on personal, commercial, or government aircraft.”
Why Laser Strikes Are So Dangerous
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a prank, officials warned—it is a potentially deadly act. Even a small, hand-held laser can temporarily blind a pilot or interfere with critical vision during flight. In high-stakes moments such as takeoff, landing, or low-altitude operations, that kind of disruption can cause catastrophic accidents.
“Pilots can be blinded in an instant,” federal authorities said. “That doesn’t just endanger them. It endangers passengers, other aircraft in the sky, and everyone on the ground below.”
In this case, officials say the pilot and crew were able to maintain control of the CBP helicopter, but the outcome could have been far worse.
Portland Again in National Spotlight
The arrests have once again put Portland in the national spotlight, a city that has frequently been at the center of debates over protests, federal operations, and law enforcement response.
For some, the laser strike recalls previous confrontations between demonstrators and federal officers in Portland, where similar devices have been used to disrupt police and federal activity. But unlike protest-related clashes, officials stress this case directly endangered an aircraft, making it a matter of aviation safety and federal security.
Handcuffs, Not Headlines
Federal authorities say the case should serve as a warning. What may appear as a reckless stunt or a way to draw attention can instead result in federal charges, deportation proceedings, and lengthy prison terms.
“Aiming a laser at an aircraft is not harmless fun—it’s a crime,” officials said. “In this case, one reckless decision exposed the public to unnecessary danger and led to the arrest of four individuals who were already violating U.S. law by being here unlawfully.”
Conclusion
As the FBI and DHS continue their investigation, the four men remain in custody, facing both immigration proceedings and potential criminal charges.
For Portland, the incident is yet another reminder that clashes involving federal officers and reckless behavior carry very real consequences—ones that extend beyond headlines and into courtrooms, prisons, and immigration detention centers.
