PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland man appeared in federal court today after being accused of dangerously pointing a high-powered laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter, endangering its pilots and the public below.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, 35-year-old Hector Miranda-Mendoza has been charged with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, a serious federal offense that carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. Prosecutors say the incident occurred on the evening of September 27, when a CBP helicopter conducting operations over Portland was repeatedly struck by a bright green laser beam.
“Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft Endangers Lives”
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford called the act “reckless and life-threatening,” emphasizing the severe risk it posed to aviation safety.
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“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft endangers lives and is a federal crime,” Bradford said. “It’s not a prank — it’s a dangerous act that can have deadly consequences.”
Investigators allege Miranda-Mendoza deliberately pointed the beam at the aircraft multiple times, causing concern for the helicopter crew. Pilots reported momentary visual impairment, a risk that could lead to disorientation or even loss of control.
When questioned by authorities, Miranda-Mendoza admitted he had recently purchased the laser and was aware of its intensity. He told investigators he believed the aircraft was a drone and did not realize the potential consequences of his actions.
Tracked Through Advanced Mapping Systems
Using onboard mapping technology, CBP agents were able to pinpoint the laser’s source to a residence in Portland. Federal agents then responded to the location, where Miranda-Mendoza was identified and taken into custody without incident.
Douglas A. Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Portland Field Office, condemned the act as both dangerous and unlawful.
“This was not a harmless stunt — it endangered the lives of federal law enforcement officers,” Olson said. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who targets aircraft or federal agents in this manner.”
Broader Context: Rising Federal Charges Linked to Portland Protests
The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that since June 13, 29 defendants have been charged with various federal crimes tied to activities surrounding the ICE building in Portland. These charges range from assaulting federal officers and damaging government property to failing to comply with lawful orders during protests.
Officials say the increase in such incidents reflects a troubling pattern of individuals interfering with or endangering federal personnel and property.
Legal Process and Penalties
Under federal law, aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is prohibited due to its potential to temporarily blind or distract pilots, jeopardizing not only those on board but also people on the ground. Convictions can result in substantial prison time, fines, and permanent federal records.
Miranda-Mendoza was formally charged in a criminal complaint, which remains an allegation at this stage. Prosecutors emphasized that, in accordance with the U.S. justice system, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, Miranda-Mendoza could face up to five years in federal prison, along with supervised release and possible financial penalties.
The case serves as a stark reminder, officials said, that seemingly small acts — such as pointing a laser at the sky — can have catastrophic, real-world consequences when aimed at aircraft operating in controlled airspace.
