A Portland resident, Alexander Jay Boyce, 38, appeared in federal court after being charged with felony assault of a federal law enforcement officer. The incident occurred near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland on October 5, 2025.
Court documents state that Boyce was among a group that moved onto the driveway of the ICE building. Officers reportedly issued several warnings for the group to remain off federal property and began to clear the area. Boyce allegedly responded by spitting on an officer’s helmet, after which he was arrested.
“Nobody spits on the brave men and women of federal law enforcement and gets away with it. If you spit on a federal law enforcement officer, you will be hit with federal charges,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought federal charges against 31 individuals since June 13, 2025, for various offenses at the ICE building, including assaulting officers, not complying with orders, and damaging government property.
Boyce appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released under conditions while awaiting further proceedings. The charge of felony assault on a federal officer carries a maximum sentence of eight years in prison.
Authorities emphasized that a criminal complaint is an accusation and that Boyce is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
