PORTLAND, Ore. — A 52-year-old Portland woman is facing a federal misdemeanor charge after she allegedly failed to follow a lawful order while on the grounds of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland last week.
The Incident
According to court records, Tracy Molina entered the grounds of the Portland ICE facility on August 21, 2025. While there, federal officers directed her to comply with an order, but prosecutors say she refused.
Molina was arrested on site for failing to obey a lawful order, a violation that is classified as a Class C misdemeanor under federal law.
Court Appearance
Molina made her first court appearance on August 22, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. During the hearing, she was formally advised of the charge and the potential penalties she faces.
The judge ordered Molina released pending further proceedings, meaning she will remain free while her case moves through the federal system. No trial date has yet been scheduled.
Potential Penalties
Under federal law, failure to obey a lawful order carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison. While considered a low-level offense, the charge can still result in fines, probation, or short-term incarceration depending on the circumstances and the court’s decision.
Because it is a misdemeanor, the case is not expected to involve a lengthy trial, though prosecutors will still be required to demonstrate that Molina knowingly disobeyed a lawful directive from federal officers.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS), which provides security and law enforcement for federal buildings and properties across the country.
Prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. Officials have not disclosed the specific nature of the order Molina is accused of disobeying, nor whether her presence at the ICE facility was tied to protest activity or another matter.
Presumption of Innocence
Prosecutors emphasized that an information—the charging document used in this case—is not a conviction. It serves only as an accusation, and Molina is legally presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
This principle means that while the government has brought forward a charge, it will be up to the federal court process to determine whether the evidence is sufficient to convict.
Broader Context
The Portland ICE building has frequently been the site of demonstrations and political activism, particularly in recent years during debates over federal immigration policies. While authorities have not linked Molina’s arrest to a protest, her case reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the facility and its operations.
In the past, similar charges have occasionally been filed against individuals accused of trespassing, disrupting federal operations, or failing to comply with officer instructions while on federal property.
What Comes Next
Molina’s case will proceed to additional hearings, where prosecutors may present further evidence and the defense will have an opportunity to respond. If convicted, the judge will determine the appropriate sentence within the statutory maximum.
For now, Molina remains free while awaiting the next steps in the case.
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