PORTLAND, Ore. — Federal prosecutors have charged six individuals in connection with violent demonstrations outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland, where authorities say protesters assaulted officers, ignored lawful orders, and created hazards on federal property.
According to an official statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, the defendants made their first appearances in federal court Tuesday and were released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The Defendants and Their Charges
The six defendants face a range of misdemeanor charges:
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Samuel Tate Berry, 29, of Gearhart and Seaside, Oregon, and Kelso, Washington — assaulting a federal officer and failure to comply with official signs and directions.
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Juniper Perry Weed, 21, of Jackson, Michigan — assaulting a federal officer and failure to comply with official signs and directions.
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Edwardo Diaz Guardado, 22, of Vancouver, Washington — assaulting a federal officer.
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Andrew James Beason, 53, of Beaverton, Oregon — failure to obey a lawful order.
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Nokomis Lee, 22, of Grand Ronde, Oregon — failure to obey a lawful order.
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Liam Harry Houpis, 22, of Vancouver, Washington — creating a hazard on federal property.
Each charge stems from a series of confrontations between protesters and federal officers on June 18 and 19, 2025, outside the South Portland ICE facility.
Protests Turn Violent
Court documents describe escalating tensions as several hundred demonstrators gathered outside the ICE office on June 18, part of a week-long protest over federal immigration policies. Federal officers reported being targeted with mortar fireworks, rocks, glass bottles, bricks, and makeshift shields.
Around 6:38 p.m., federal officers attempted to clear the crowd from the driveway to allow six official vehicles to enter the property. After repeated warnings, officers advanced through the vehicle gate to move protesters back.
According to prosecutors, Berry and Weed refused to comply and physically assaulted officers as they were being detained. Later that evening, another confrontation erupted when the crowd again blocked the vehicle gate, preventing law enforcement vehicles from leaving. During that second incident, Beason and Lee allegedly ignored lawful orders to disperse and were taken into custody.
Laser Attack and Property Damage
A separate altercation occurred when Guardado reportedly aimed a high-powered laser pointer at a federal officer, striking the officer’s eye and causing temporary blindness. Laser strikes on aircraft or personnel are considered serious offenses due to their potential to cause permanent injury.
The following night, on June 19, a smaller group of protesters returned to the ICE facility. At about 10:20 p.m., Houpis was allegedly seen using a power drill and screws to secure plywood over the facility’s doors, apparently attempting to prevent officers from exiting the building. He was charged with creating a hazard on federal property.
Federal Response and Penalties
Federal law enforcement, including the FBI and the Federal Protective Service (FPS), investigated the incidents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that assaults on federal officers and property damage would be prosecuted to the fullest extent under federal law.
“Misdemeanor assault of a federal officer” carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison, while failure to obey a lawful order, failure to comply with official signs, and creating a hazard on federal property are Class C misdemeanors, each punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials stressed that the criminal complaints are only accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Additional arrests or charges could follow as the investigation continues into the June demonstrations.
Authorities have not commented on whether further protests are anticipated at the South Portland ICE facility, but federal officers remain stationed in the area to protect the property and ensure public safety.
The six defendants are expected to appear in court later this year as the cases proceed through the federal system.
