Three defendants appear in court as federal cases continue to unfold
Three individuals faced federal court on Thursday in connection with ongoing protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in South Portland. The demonstrations, which have continued for months, have led to numerous arrests and multiple federal charges.
Three Protesters Face Charges
Those appearing in court included:
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Liam Harry Houpis, accused of trying to barricade a side door of the ICE facility.
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Oriana Korol, a clarinet player with the Unpresidented Brass Band, charged in connection with an incident across the street from the building.
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Lisa Miyamoto, accused of striking an ICE agent with a wooden tambourine during an October confrontation.
The hearings reflect the increasing legal consequences for demonstrators involved in altercations with federal officers during nightly protests.
Dozens Charged Since June
Since June, 38 protesters have been charged with federal offenses related to activity outside the South Portland ICE facility. The charges range from misdemeanors to more serious allegations involving federal agents.
Of those 38 cases:
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Charges were dismissed in three instances involving felony and misdemeanor allegations.
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Seven defendants received sentences that include between six months and one year of federal probation.
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Ten others have pleaded guilty and are now awaiting sentencing.
The protests, which frequently take place at night, have resulted in repeated confrontations between demonstrators and federal officers stationed at the facility.
Houpis Pleads Guilty to Creating Hazard on Federal Property
On Thursday, 22-year-old Liam Harry Louis, also known as Houpis, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of creating a hazard on federal property.
Prosecutors said that on June 19, Houpis — who works as a line cook in Vancouver — attempted to block a side door of the ICE building by fastening metal brackets to a plywood panel to keep the exit shut. He was taken into custody at the scene by ICE agents.
Houpis spent one night in jail following his arrest. As part of the conditions set by the court, he is prohibited from entering or approaching the ICE facility and must complete 40 hours of community service. His sentencing is scheduled for January 2026.
Korol Pleads Not Guilty After October Incident
38-year-old Oriana Korol, a clarinet player and member of the Unpresidented Brass Band, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on October 12 when federal officers attempted to arrest a man who ran out of the ICE building. Korol was standing across the street when the man collided with members of the band. Authorities allege she then interfered with officers attempting to apprehend him.
Korol denied assaulting any officer and will return to court as her case proceeds.
Miyamoto Admits to Striking Officer With Tambourine
56-year-old Lisa Miyamoto pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault of a federal officer. She admitted to striking an ICE agent in the chest with her wooden tambourine during a demonstration in October.
The confrontation began when officers asked protesters blocking the facility’s driveway to move. Miyamoto reportedly refused to step aside and struck the officer during the exchange.
She is scheduled to be sentenced in February.
Federal Cases Still Developing
The cases highlight the tension between nightly demonstrators and federal officers at the South Portland facility. While many protesters have argued that their actions constitute peaceful resistance, federal authorities assert that assaults on officers and attempts to barricade entrances pose safety risks and violate the law.
As more cases make their way through the courts, officials expect additional hearings and potential plea agreements in the months ahead.
