A Portland resident, Alexander Jay Boyce, 38, appeared in federal court following allegations that he assaulted a federal law enforcement officer near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Boyce faces a felony charge for allegedly assaulting a federal officer. Court documents state that on October 5, 2025, Boyce was part of a group near the ICE building’s driveway. Law enforcement reportedly issued several warnings for the group to avoid federal property before beginning to clear the area. During this process, Boyce is accused of spitting on an officer’s helmet. He was arrested immediately by federal officers.
“Nobody spits on the brave men and women of federal law enforcement and gets away with it. If you spit on a federal law enforcement officer, you will be hit with federal charges,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The United States Attorney’s Office has brought federal charges against 31 individuals since June 13, 2025, for various offenses at the ICE building. These include charges such as assaulting federal officers, failure to comply with law enforcement instructions, and damaging government property.
Boyce’s initial court appearance took place before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He has been released under certain conditions while awaiting further legal proceedings.
If convicted, felony assault of a federal officer carries a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison.
Authorities emphasize that a criminal complaint is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
