Viral Video Sparks Questions
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A viral video showing musician and comedian Robby Roadsteamer being arrested outside a federal immigration facility in Portland — while dressed in a full giraffe costume — is now being clarified by federal authorities.
The clip, which quickly spread across social media platforms, shows Roadsteamer singing and joking with protesters outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building when several uniformed officers emerge, grab him, and escort him inside the facility. The arrest drew widespread attention both for its unusual visuals and for what appeared to be an abrupt federal response to a comedic act.
Homeland Security Responds
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement to TMZ, calling the widely circulated footage “deceptively clipped” and asserting that it misrepresented the full series of events.
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“This deceptively clipped video features this attention-starved influencer who flew all the way from Massachusetts to trespass on federal property,” the DHS statement read.
According to the agency, Roadsteamer was warned multiple times by law enforcement officers to stay off federal grounds but refused to comply. “Three times law enforcement officers told him to back up and step off federal property. He continued to disobey law enforcement and moved further onto federal property,” the department said.
After several warnings, DHS said, agents had no choice but to place him under arrest. “Officers continued to warn him to back up. Following his repeated refusal to listen to law enforcement, he was placed under arrest.”
Portland Police Clarify Their Role
While the officers in the video wear visible “POLICE” patches, the Portland Police Bureau confirmed that they were not Portland officers and that the operation was handled entirely by federal law enforcement. The department said it had no involvement in the incident and was not part of any coordinated enforcement action that evening.
The ICE facility, located in Portland’s South Waterfront district, has become a frequent protest site over the past several months, drawing activists, performers, and demonstrators critical of federal immigration policies.
Robby Roadsteamer’s Response
Robby Roadsteamer — whose real name is Louis Robert Spalding — is a Massachusetts-based musician, satirist, and internet personality known for his offbeat comedy and surreal public stunts. His appearance at the Portland protest was reportedly part of a broader performance piece criticizing government overreach and supporting free expression.
Following his release, Roadsteamer told followers on social media that he plans to file a lawsuit over what he described as an “unlawful arrest.” He maintains that he was peacefully performing outside the facility and that officers overreacted to what was clearly a comedic act.
“They grabbed me while I was mid-song,” he posted on Instagram. “I wasn’t violent, I wasn’t shouting. I was singing about love and unity in a giraffe suit.”
The Broader Context
The incident occurred during ongoing demonstrations outside Portland’s ICE facility — a flashpoint for protests against federal immigration enforcement and President Trump’s national policies. In recent months, several arrests have taken place during similar events, often involving protesters accused of trespassing on federal property.
Federal authorities have defended their response, arguing that access to federal buildings must remain secure, even amid public demonstrations. Critics, however, claim that arrests like Roadsteamer’s reflect an increasingly heavy-handed approach to protest management.
What Happens Next
As of now, Roadsteamer has not been formally charged, and DHS has not released additional details about the specific violations that led to his detainment. The comedian’s supporters are demanding transparency, while federal officials insist that their actions followed protocol.
Whether Roadsteamer’s planned lawsuit will move forward remains to be seen. But for many viewers, the sight of a singing giraffe being arrested by federal agents has become another strange chapter in Portland’s long history of protest — where performance art, politics, and confrontation often collide.
