Portland man allegedly assaulted ICE officer, facing federal charges
Robert Jacob Hoopes, a Portland resident, found himself in legal trouble after a series of events unfolded during a protest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building on June 14. Accused of assaulting a federal officer, Hoopes, a 24-year-old who identifies as a Quaker and pacifist, faced charges for his alleged actions during the protest.
Breaking the news of Hoopes’ arrest came well over a month after the incident, with Department of Justice attorneys claiming that he threw rocks at the ICE building and its officers, in addition to using a stop sign to damage the building’s front doors. Following his arrest on July 25, Hoopes found himself in a courtroom at the U.S. District Court of Oregon where he pleaded not guilty, surrounded by a group of supporters who had gathered to protest the charges levied against him.
Despite the severity of the accusations, Judge Youlee Yim You opted to release Hoopes from custody with a GPS ankle monitor, citing the support shown for him in the courtroom. Supporters, including Hoopes’ father, Tom Hoopes, flew in from out of state to stand by him during this challenging time. Tom expressed both pride in his son’s actions in defense of immigrants and concern for his well-being in light of the legal proceedings.
Raised in a Quaker tradition and attending a Quaker boarding school, Hoopes’ family background underscores his commitment to peace and justice. Described by his father as “open-hearted” and full of “beauty, power, and righteous love,” Hoopes’ character has garnered immense support from his extended community during this tumultuous period.
Claims made by Hoopes’ roommates on social media platforms described his arrest by federal agents armed with assault rifles, a detail that emerged before official government allegations were publicized. Authorities eventually tracked Hoopes down by cross-referencing a tattoo on his arm with photos and videos taken during the June 14 protest. Video evidence reveals Hoopes allegedly throwing rocks near the ICE building’s front doors, leading to an altercation where an officer was injured.
Prosecutors presented security footage showing Hoopes’ actions, refuting his claims of pacifism and nonviolence. Additional charges were levied against him for attempting to wedge doors closed with an e-scooter and using a stop sign to cause property damage, estimated at $7,700. While prosecutors requested Hoopes be held until his hearing in August, the judge chose to release him, highlighting the support he received from his girlfriend, roommate, and former teachers in court.
Amidst a growing movement to support Hoopes both in and outside the courtroom, his case reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration policies and protest actions. With conflicting narratives emerging from different sources, the outcome of Hoopes’ legal battle remains uncertain, raising questions about the intersections of activism, civil disobedience, and the pursuit of justice in contemporary society.