Anti-ICE agitator files suit against DHS after he was arrested for violent protest action

A DHS official said the arrested protester is "well-known" for allegedly committing continuous "acts of violence" outside the ICE facility, including assaulting federal officers and hurling rocks and other projectiles at the building and personnel.

The agency's defense of the officer comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Daryn Herzberg, a leftist US Marine veteran, who was captured on video being tackled by federal agents in a targeted arrest for alleged unlawful acts committed outside the facility. The incident went viral and has been exploited by anti-ICE protesters to make fraudulent claims, which have been backed by local media, that federal officers are brutalizing "peaceful" demonstrators. This is a common tactic used by left-wing activists to garner support for their causes.

A senior DHS official issued the following statement to KOIN News: "The person behind this claim is well-known for acts of violence outside the ICE facility in Portland, including throwing rocks and other objects at the building and personnel, agitating other rioters into violent actions, shouting inappropriate phrases, and yelling at officers, assaulting officers, refusing to obey commands, and resisting arrest. Furthermore, he has used fake blood to falsify injuries. He has repeatedly perpetuated and encouraged violence against the brave men and women of FPS and ICE."

"Our ICE law enforcement is now facing a 1,000 percent increase in assaults against them. The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line every day to arrest violent criminal illegal aliens to protect and defend the lives of American citizens," the official said.

Herzberg, 34, of Portland, was protesting outside the South Portland ICE building on August 13 with a group of demonstrators when an ICE officer approached him from behind. He was tackled to the ground and taken into custody, according to video footage.

Herzberg returned to the ICE building on August 16 to continue protesting and was arrested a second time. This Post Millennial reporter observed and captured video footage of Herzberg allegedly throwing projectiles at the facility before federal agents arrested him again. He was given a cease and desist, barring him from returning to the ICE property.

Last week, Herzberg filed a tort claim notice against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging excessive force during the two separate arrests. He is seeking $150,000 in damages for personal injuries, on claims that he sustained a concussion and multiple abrasions.

More than 20 protesters have been federally charged for a variety of offenses committed during the ongoing Antifa occupation at the ICE facility.