Portland Quaker charged with assaulting federal officer in anti-ICE riot

A Portland Man Charged in Anti-ICE Protest

Robert Jacob Hoopes, a man described by his father as a “lifelong Quaker deeply committed to pacifism,” is now facing serious federal charges in connection with his alleged actions at an anti-ICE protest.

Hoopes, a resident of Portland, Oregon, has been charged with aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property exceeding $1,000.

During a protest against ICE on June 14, Hoopes reportedly threw large rocks at a building owned by the agency in South Portland. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, one of the rocks thrown by Hoopes hit an ICE officer, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye. Additionally, Hoopes and two others were seen using a stop sign as a battering ram, resulting in major damage to the building’s main entrance.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Hoopes could face up to 20 years in federal prison for the aggravated assault charge and up to 10 years for damaging federal property.

Hoopes’ father, Tom, shared that his son is a committed pacifist and organic gardener known for his kindness. Tom mentioned that while he couldn’t comment on Jacob’s specific involvement in the protest, he emphasized Jacob’s dedication to justice.

Quakers, known for their pacifist beliefs, reject war and violence in all forms, as stated by Quaker.org.

According to a letter from Hoopes’ roommate, who witnessed the events, Hoopes is not someone who would have assaulted an officer. The roommate recalled a dramatic scene where armed officers stormed their house with assault rifles.

Despite federal prosecutors’ objections, Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You granted Hoopes pretrial release at his initial hearing.