Portland Man Accused of Spitting on Federal Officer Outside ICE Facility Faces Felony Charge

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland resident Jay Boyce (38) appeared in federal court yesterday, charged with a felony offense after allegedly assaulting a federal officer outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on Sunday.

Court documents state that Boyce was part of a group of individuals who had congregated on the driveway of the ICE facility in South Portland.

Law enforcement officers then began to clear the driveway after issuing several warnings to the group not to encroach on federal property.

Defendant Spat on an Officer’s Helmet

Boyce responded by spitting on an officer’s helmet and was immediately arrested by federal officers.

He appeared in federal court yesterday and was released pending further court proceedings. Anyone found guilty of a felony assault faces a sentence of up to eight years in federal prison.

Thirty-one protesters who have gathered outside the ICE detention center in Portland since June 13, 2025, have been charged with federal crimes. The charges have included assaulting federal officers, depredation of government property, and failure to comply.