Portland Drone Operator Assaults Federal Officer

PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland man is facing federal charges after a brazen assault on a Federal Protective Service (FPS) officer near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland. The incident, part of a continuing wave of unrest, escalated quickly when the suspect refused to comply with lawful orders.

Devin P. Montgomery, 49, made his initial appearance in federal court today, charged with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer. According to court documents, the trouble began on the afternoon of September 4, 2025, when FPS officers observed Montgomery operating an Unmanned Aircraft System – a drone – in a designated temporary flight restriction zone surrounding the ICE facility. The FAA had imposed the restriction, and FPS officers immediately instructed Montgomery to cease operation.

Montgomery didn’t just ignore the instructions; he doubled down. He continued to fly the drone within the prohibited airspace, prompting officers to approach him directly. Instead of cooperating, Montgomery reportedly became “belligerent,” unleashing a torrent of profanity at the responding officers. The situation spiraled further after Montgomery’s arrest, when he allegedly spat directly in the face of one of the officers.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Grimy Times has been tracking escalating tensions at the Portland ICE facility for months. Since June 13, 2025, a total of 26 individuals have already been charged with federal crimes related to activity at the location, including assaults on federal officers, arson, possession of destructive devices, and the deliberate damage of government property. The area has become a hotbed for protest and, increasingly, violent confrontations.

Montgomery was released on conditions pending further court proceedings. If convicted of the felony assault, he faces a potential sentence of up to 8 years in federal prison. The FPS continues to maintain a heightened presence at the ICE facility, bracing for further unrest and determined to protect its officers from escalating threats.

It’s crucial to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Devin P. Montgomery is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, exposing the underbelly of federal crime and holding those responsible accountable.