DOJ charges trans rioter with assault on federal agent after violent Antifa-affiliated attack on Portland ICE facility

The Department of Justice has charged a transgender rioter over an alleged attack committed against a federal police officer during an Antifa-affiliated direct action on Sunday at the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland.

Samuel A. Westcott, 19, of Hillsboro, has been accused of allegedly violently kicking a Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service (FPS) officer several times while being detained for refusing orders to clear the driveway. Westcott was formally charged with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer on Tuesday in the US District Court in Portland, court records show.



On the evening of October 12, at approximately 5 pm, federal police officers were ordered to clear the driveway at the Portland ICE facility after roughly 200 protesters blocked it, preventing vehicles from entering and exiting. Orders to vacate federal property and clear the driveway were issued several times through the use of a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) before federal agents mobilized to take action.

While officers rushed out to clear the obstruction, Westcott was observed standing alongside other protesters in the street, blocking the driveway. When an FPS officer attempted to move Westcott back, Westcott allegedly lunged toward another FPS officer, making physical contact. Westcott was then detained. While under arrest, Westcott allegedly kicked the arresting officer several times, striking the agent in the groin and thigh.

The Post Millennial captured video footage of Westcott's arrest, which shows a struggle between Westcott and federal officers. Westcott can then be observed getting transported into custody.

"We will not tolerate violence against federal law enforcement officers," said US Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott Bradford in a press release. "Any assault on those who serve and protect our communities is an assault on the rule of law."

Since June 7, when Antifa-affiliated agitators formed a 24-hour occupation outside the ICE facility in Portland, the Department of Justice has charged 33 individuals with a variety of offenses committed during ongoing protests. Federal charges have included assault of federal police officers causing bodily injury, arson, depredation of government property, and refusing lawful orders.,

Due to the ongoing violence and civil unrest, President Donald Trump has ordered the National Guard to be deployed to the ICE facility on Macadam Avenue. Additionally, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has ordered an increase of federal agents to protect the facility, as well as officers.

Westcott faces up to eight years in federal prison if convicted.