Alexander Jay Boyce, Assault of a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Oregon 2025

A Portland man has been charged with felony assault of a federal law enforcement officer after spitting on a helmet during a tense standoff near the ICE office in South Portland.

According to court documents, 38-year-old Alexander Jay Boyce was part of a group of individuals who encroached on the driveway of the ICE building on the evening of October 5, 2025. Law enforcement officers gave multiple warnings to the group to stay off federal property and began to clear the driveway. However, rather than comply as directed, Boyce spat on the officer’s helmet.

Federal officers immediately arrested Boyce, and he made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Scott E. Bradford, said in a statement, “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.”

This is not the first time individuals have faced federal charges for offenses committed at the ICE building. Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 31 defendants with federal crimes, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

The felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant: Alexander Jay Boyce. Criminal charges: Felony assault of a federal officer. City and state: Portland, Oregon. Date: October 5, 2025. Sentence or outcome: Released on conditions pending further court proceedings.