A man appeared in federal court after being accused of pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) helicopter in the Portland area. Hector Miranda-Mendoza, 35, faces a felony charge for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
Court documents state that on September 27, 2025, law enforcement identified Miranda-Mendoza as the person who targeted several aircraft with a laser pointer, including the CBP helicopter. Lasers can temporarily blind pilots or obscure their vision, which poses risks for flight safety. The CBP used an onboard mapping system to trace the source of the laser to a residence in Portland. Officers contacted Miranda-Mendoza, who admitted to recently buying the laser and knowing it was powerful. He told officers he thought the helicopter was a drone and recalled flashing it four or five times. The laser pointer was seized by law enforcement and referred for federal prosecution.
“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft endangers lives and is a federal crime. This conduct put the lives of CBP personnel and the community directly at risk, and my office will aggressively pursue those who engage in this illegal activity,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“The laser strike on a CBP helicopter over the skies of Portland put our community at risk and endangered the lives of federal law enforcement officers. This activity is unacceptable, and FBI Portland will aggressively pursue anyone anywhere targeting federal agents, especially those currently holding the line at the Portland ICE facility,” said Douglas A. Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge.
Since June 13, 2025, prosecutors have charged 29 people with federal crimes related to incidents at the ICE building in Portland. These charges include assaulting federal officers, failing to comply with orders, and damaging government property.
Miranda-Mendoza had his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and remains detained while awaiting further proceedings.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
