A 32-year-old Portland man has been charged with fourth-degree assault after allegedly punching a woman in the face as she tried to leave a protest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland over the weekend, according to newly released court documents.
The suspect, identified as Harold Alston Smith, was arraigned Monday and later released from jail. Police said this is Smith’s second arrest connected to altercations at the ICE site in recent weeks.
Confrontation Captured on Video
Court records state that a woman told police she and her daughter had attended Saturday’s protest and were walking to their parked car to leave when counter-protesters surrounded their vehicle, blocking them from exiting the area.
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When the woman stepped out of her car to try to move them aside, Smith allegedly approached from behind and punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground.
Officers responding to the scene documented the woman’s injuries, noting a bloodied and swollen ear and clothing consistent with a fall. Police later obtained video footage that reportedly shows Smith swinging his arm and striking the woman, who immediately collapses.
Smith, who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 245 pounds, was booked on a fourth-degree assault charge.
Second Arrest at the Same Site
This is not Smith’s first run-in with authorities at the ICE compound. Court documents show that he was previously arrested on October 9 for an unrelated confrontation during another protest.
In that earlier case, Smith allegedly harassed a demonstrator, grabbing a walking stick from the person’s hands and throwing it over a fence. A video from the incident reportedly captures Smith saying, “I can take whatever I want,” before swinging the stick at the protester.
He was charged with harassment in connection with that altercation and released pending trial.
Ongoing Tensions at Portland ICE Facility
The South Portland ICE building has been the site of near-nightly demonstrations since the announcement of potential National Guard deployments to Portland. While most protests have remained peaceful, clashes between demonstrators, counter-protesters, and federal officers have become increasingly common.
Witnesses at Saturday’s event described a chaotic but brief altercation that occurred as protesters were dispersing. Police confirmed that no other arrests were made in connection with the incident.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Smith’s latest charge, assault in the fourth degree, is a misdemeanor under Oregon law but can carry penalties of up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine if convicted.
The case will be reviewed by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether to pursue additional charges given Smith’s recent history at the ICE protests.
As of Monday evening, the woman involved in the assault had been treated for minor injuries and released from medical care.
Portland police said the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with additional video footage of the altercation to come forward.
