Reed College launches investigation after employee gives FBI info that led to alumnus' arrest in anti-ICE riot

Reed College has launched an investigation into why its director of community safety provided an alumnus’ personal information to the FBI without a subpoena or warrant, which led to the man’s arrest.

In a memo to the college community on Tuesday, President Audrey Bilger said she first learned of the incident through media reports and confirmed that an independent third-party investigator will conduct the review.

According to a report by OregonLive, a federal affidavit revealed that investigators identified alumnus Robert Jacob Hoopes as a suspect accused of throwing a rock that struck a federal officer in the face. The incident occurred during a June 14 protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland.

According to the affidavit, FBI investigators used facial recognition software along with images from OregonLive and the university to identify Hoopes. One match came from a Reed College photo-sharing page showing a man with a distinctive tattoo on his forearm. The software also identified an Instagram account under the name “Jacob Hoopes.” Investigators contacted the college’s community safety director, who provided Hoopes’ full name, address, and phone number.

Bilger said two assistant directors will step into acting director roles while the investigation is underway. 

“We are initiating an investigation into this action and its impact on our standards and our community,” Bilger wrote in the memo. “This inquiry will be thorough and conducted with urgency and fairness by a third-party investigator.”

She added that Reed “prioritizes the privacy and rights of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all members of our community. We understand that recent developments may raise concern, and we want to assure you that the college is treating this matter with the seriousness it warrants.”

Federal officers arrested Hoopes at his home. He has been charged with felony aggravated assault of a federal officer and depredation of federal property.