A person with ties to Kelso was arrested for allegedly assaulting a federal officer outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on Wednesday in Portland.
According to a partially redacted federal affidavit, Samuel Tate Berry, 29, who previously lived in Kelso, Gearhart, and Seaside, was arrested for assaulting a Customs and Border Protection agent with a shield and resisting arrest by a Federal Protective Services inspector.
According to the affidavit, demonstrators forced their way past the office gates after authorities allowed vehicles to enter.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon issued a press release stating that they detained five other individuals during the event. All six have made their first court appearances and have been discharged pending future hearings.
What happened?
Protesters have gathered outside a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Portland for the past two weeks to oppose President Donald Trump’s raids on migrants who are either living in or entering the country illegally.
At 6:38 p.m. on Wednesday, federal officers opened the gates for six official vehicles to arrive at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, which is located at 4310 SW Macadam Ave. in Portland, near a Tesla dealership.
Using a bullhorn, federal authorities instructed the gathering to stay on the sidewalk and warned them that anyone who trespassed on government property would be detained.
At the time, a mass of people wearing masks, goggles, and shields gathered in the driveway of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters.
When the gate opened, federal officers pushed toward the crowd to make way for the arriving automobiles. The affidavit states that while the protestors dispersed, a handful with shields either pushed against the cops or stood their ground. During this altercation, Berry is accused of attacking a federal officer wearing a shield.
Some demonstrators in Portland are characterized as wearing all black, known as the “black bloc,” and causing property damage, whether personal or government. According to the same document, some demonstrators threw things at the federal building and officers, as well as pepper spray.
Demonstrators have harassed Immigration and Customs Enforcement clients and workers by following them with cameras and making insulting or even threatening statements, according to the paper.
Berry is represented by Elizabeth Gillingham Daily of the Federal Public Defender’s Office, who was arrested on charges of assaulting a federal officer, a class A misdemeanor, and failing to comply with official signs and directives.
Berry’s next hearing is scheduled for July 17 in Portland before a magistrate judge.
The document refers to Berry, as she was previously known as Scarlett Armana.