Federal authorities in Portland detained four illegal aliens after an FBI raid linked to a suspect accused of pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter.
The individuals are now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, according to officials.
FBI Portland confirmed to Fox News that charges are expected to be filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.
In a post on X, the field office warned:
“The federal government will not tolerate violence against federal officers, nor will we tolerate assaults on personal, commercial, or government aircraft.”
The laser that was used was acquired during the course of the investigation. The federal government will not tolerate violence against federal officers, nor will we tolerate assaults on personal, commercial, or government aircraft. https://t.co/rl6ZOc5nue
— FBI Portland (@FBIPortland) September 29, 2025
During the search, agents recovered the laser pointer allegedly used in the attack.
Patel Issues Warning
FBI Director Kash Patel said the incident underscores a growing trend of political violence against law enforcement.
“Targeting law enforcement will never be tolerated,” Patel told Fox News.
“In Portland, FBI agents and our federal partners swiftly took into custody four individuals here illegally who allegedly aimed lasers at a CBP aircraft.
“Let this serve as a warning: if you come after the men and women who protect this nation, we will come after you, and you will be put away.”
Bondi Memo: Protect ICE From Political Violence
The raid came just one day after Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a directive to federal agencies to immediately defend ICE personnel and facilities under attack.
Bondi’s memo instructed the ATF, DEA, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service to deploy necessary resources “whenever and wherever” ICE comes under threat, citing recent flare-ups in Portland and Chicago.
Trump Vows Action
President Donald Trump also weighed in over the weekend, saying he has authorized troop deployments at the request of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
“Troops will protect war-ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE facilities under siege from attack by Antifa and other domestic terrorists,” Trump said.
The president added that he had directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide “all necessary force, if required.”
Despite the escalation, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson dismissed the administration’s move, insisting:
“This is an American city.
“We do not need any intervention.
“This is not a military target.”
FAA: Laser Strikes Are a Growing Threat
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has repeatedly warned that laser pointers, often marketed as toys, can pose a “serious threat” to pilots and passengers.
In 2024 alone, pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes.
Individuals convicted of pointing lasers at aircraft face federal charges as well as FAA fines of more than $32,000 per violation.
In 2021, the FAA issued $120,000 in fines.
READ MORE – FBI Fires Agents Seen Kneeling at Black Lives Matter Protest in 2020
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