A man appeared in federal court in Portland after being charged with aiming a laser pointer at a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) helicopter. Hector Miranda-Mendoza, 35, faces a felony charge for this offense.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2025, law enforcement identified Miranda-Mendoza as the person who pointed a laser at several aircraft, including the CBP helicopter. Lasers can impair pilots' vision and make it difficult to see other aircraft or obstacles, which could result in dangerous situations. Using an on-board mapping system, CBP traced the laser's origin to a residence in Portland. Officers contacted Miranda-Mendoza, who admitted purchasing the laser recently and acknowledged its strength. He said he believed the helicopter was a drone and recalled flashing it four or five times. The laser pointer was seized by law enforcement and the case was referred for federal prosecution.
“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft endangers lives and is a federal crime. This conduct put the lives of CBP personnel and the community directly at risk, and my office will aggressively pursue those who engage in this illegal activity,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“The laser strike on a CBP helicopter over the skies of Portland put our community at risk and endangered the lives of federal law enforcement officers. This activity is unacceptable, and FBI Portland will aggressively pursue anyone anywhere targeting federal agents, especially those currently holding the line at the Portland ICE facility,” said Douglas A. Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge.
Since June 13, 2025, authorities have charged 29 people with federal crimes related to incidents at the ICE building in Portland; these charges include assaulting officers, failing to comply with orders, and damaging government property.
Miranda-Mendoza remains detained while awaiting further proceedings before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
The maximum penalty for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is five years in prison under federal law.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
