Portland, OR – Federal authorities announced Tuesday that four Mexican nationals living in the U.S. illegally were arrested after allegedly pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter, a crime officials say endangered the pilot, crew, and the public.
Arrests Made After Laser Strike on Aircraft
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested:
- Diogenes Albores-Suchiapa
- Andres Brian Lopez-Labra
- Benito Zamora-Alvarez
- Hector Miranda Mendoza
Officials said the men used a laser pointer to strike the aircraft, attempting to temporarily blind the pilot during flight. Federal agents traced the beam to a Portland residence, where the arrests were made.
Prior Criminal Histories Reported
DHS noted that at least two of the suspects had prior criminal histories:
- Albores-Suchiapa – previously arrested in Oregon for meth possession and trespassing, and stopped three times by CBP for immigration violations.
- Lopez-Labra – earlier arrested for unlawful entry and more recently by Oregon State Police for DUI.
- Zamora-Alvarez – admitted to living in the U.S. illegally since 1994.
All four men have since been transferred to ICE custody in Seattle.
FBI and DHS Condemn Attack
FBI Portland, which carried out the raid and recovered the laser pointer, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office is expected to file federal charges.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is incredibly dangerous,” DHS stressed in a statement. “The men endangered the CBP crew, other aircraft, and the public.”
FBI Portland echoed that stance on social media:
“The federal government will not tolerate violence against federal officers, nor will we tolerate assaults on personal, commercial, or government aircraft.”
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FBI Director Issues Stern Warning
FBI Director Kash Patel warned that any attempt to target law enforcement will be met with serious consequences.
“Targeting law enforcement will never be tolerated,” Patel said. “If you come after the men and women who protect this nation, we will come after you, and you will be put away.”
Broader Federal Directive on Protecting ICE
The arrests come just one day after Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo directing federal agencies—including the ATF, DEA, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service—to step up protections for ICE officers and facilities.
Bondi’s directive specifically referenced Portland and Chicago, where recent incidents have raised concerns over political violence against federal officers.
Federal prosecutors are expected to announce formal charges in the coming days as the case moves forward.
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