Portland anti-ICE militant charged with assault of federal agent, could face 8 years in prison if convicted

Jairin Anzaldua-Ervin, 29, of Gervais, has been accused of throwing a large object at a federal agent, striking the officer in the chest with force while trespassing on federal property.

The defendant was arraigned in the US District Court in Oregon on Monday. He has been charged with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer, a crime punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.

On October 4, Anzaldua-Ervin was among a large crowd of protesters, many of whom are involved with Antifa networks, that gathered outside the South Portland ICE facility after marching from Elizabeth Caruthers Park at approximately 1 pm.

According to an FBI affidavit, Anzaldua-Ervin had trespassed on federal property and defied several lawful orders to vacate. When federal agents mobilized to clear unlawful demonstrators from the driveway, the defendant allegedly threw a water bottle described as “large and heavy” at the chest of an officer with the Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service (FPS).

Anzaldua-Ervin was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. Video surveillance footage submitted in court documents appears to show the defendant committing the allegations.

Anzaldua-Ervin was captured on ICE surveillance video footage throwing an object at a federal agent. Courtesy: FBI

“Throwing water bottles, or any object for that matter, at a federal law enforcement officer is not protesting - it’s a crime - and perpetrators will be arrested and federally prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, US Attorney for the District of Oregon, in a press release. “I thank the brave members of federal law enforcement who have protected federal employees at the ICE building for more than 110 consecutive nights.”

To date, the Department of Justice has charged at least 30 unlawful demonstrators for alleged crimes committed during ongoing protests outside the ICE facility, which began on June 7 when Antifa-affiliated subjects formed a 24-hour occupation. This includes assault on federal officers causing bodily injury, arson, depredation of government property, and disobeying lawful orders, among others.

Anzaldua-Ervin was arraigned on charges and released from custody pending further court proceedings. He was among 13 protesters arrested on Saturday.