FBI arrests Oregon suspect for attempted breach of Eugene federal building during anti-ICE riot

An Oregon teen has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an alleged attack committed at the Eugene federal building during a large-scale anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riot in January. Soren Emery Polzin, 18, of Eugene, has been charged with depredation of federal property. He appeared on a "wanted" poster the FBI released in February.

The incident occurred on January 30, 2026, when hundreds of anti-ICE demonstrators conducted a multi-hour siege of the building, resulting in a violent attempted breach. Polzin has been accused of shattering the lobby window in an attempt "to gain access to the Eugene federal building while federal civilian employees were still inside," court documents state.

The defendant allegedly acted in concert with a group of anarchist rioters, many of whom were concealing their identities behind facial coverings, who damaged the windows and exterior doors of the building. "Polzin repeatedly banged on and kicked the lobby window, eventually shattering the window with his lower body," according to the FBI affidavit.

The violent riot captured the attention of President Donald Trump, who threatened to deploy the United States military to quash unlawful demonstrations and protect federal property.

Surveillance video shared by the FBI shows approximately 500 rioters banging on the federal building, shattering the windows, and attempting to gain entry while a small group of federal officers stood guard inside. "The protest turned into a riot in which the individuals broke windows, spray-painted federal property, and threw rocks at law enforcement officers," the FBI said at the time.

Eventually, a coalition of federal agents dispersed the crowd through the use of less-lethal munitions. The Eugene Police Department also responded and declared a riot. The FBI Portland Field Office later released "wanted" images of suspects involved in the attempted breach and other alleged attacks that night.

"This arrest marks a huge step forward in our investigation of the damage to the Eugene federal building on January 30, 2026," said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson in a press release. "Violence and destruction of property jeopardize the rights and safety of all citizens. The FBI will continue to pursue individuals who exploit situations to pursue violent, extremist agendas—anarchists and other agitators who set out to sow discord and upheaval."

The federal building was boarded up the following day. Rioters mobilized to attack the facility again later in the evening; however, demonstrators were ultimately thwarted by an aggressive police response.

"The harm in this case goes beyond the thousands of dollars' worth of damage to the federal building," said US Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott Bradford. "Federal employees were trapped inside, terrified of what would happen if the building were fully breached. This was a riot, not a lawful protest."

Eugene is located just a couple of hours south of Portland, Oregon, and has a large Antifa cell. The building houses an ICE office and is the site of frequent demonstrations, which often turn unlawful.

The FBI is still working to identify additional riot suspects. The agency has offered a $5,000 reward for each of their identities. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit tips online here.