A Portland resident, Tomas Plancarte-Benson, 37, appeared in federal court after being charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Court documents state that on the evening of September 27, 2025, federal officers were attempting to clear the driveway at the ICE facility when Plancarte-Benson was among a group blocking access. Officials issued several verbal commands instructing individuals to move or clear the area. Instead of complying, Plancarte-Benson reportedly shoved a federal officer before retreating into the crowd. He was later located near the facility and arrested for assault.
“Violence at the ICE building or any other federal building will not be tolerated. If you assault a federal law enforcement officer, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has charged 27 people with federal crimes related to incidents at the ICE building. These charges include assaulting officers, failing to comply with orders, and damaging government property.
Plancarte-Benson was released on conditions following his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and is awaiting further court proceedings.
The felony charge of assaulting a federal officer carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison. Authorities emphasized that criminal complaints are accusations only and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
