FBI Says Four Men Arrested in Portland for Shining Laser at Border Patrol Helicopter Are Illegal Aliens

by | Oct 1, 2025 | News, Not Satire

illegal aliens arrested in Portland, Oregon for shining laser at helicopter
Share This Article

PORTLAND, Ore. — A routine night patrol over Portland skies turned dangerous last weekend when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter was struck by a laser beam, temporarily threatening the safety of the pilot and crew.

Federal officials say the laser originated from a Portland residence on the evening of September 27, 2025, while the helicopter was conducting law enforcement operations. The FBI Portland Division obtained a search warrant, and when agents raided the residence, they not only arrested the person believed to have aimed the laser, but also three additional men found inside.

All four were determined to be illegal aliens and taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Authorities identified the suspects as:

  • Diogenes Albores-Suchiapa, previously arrested in Gresham for unlawful methamphetamine possession and criminal trespass, and stopped by CBP multiple times for immigration violations.
  • Andres Brian Lopez-Labra, with a history of unlawful entry and a recent Oregon State Police DUI arrest.
  • Benito Zamora-Alvarez, who has reportedly been living in the U.S. illegally since 1994.
  • Hector Miranda Mendoza, also in the country illegally.

During the raid, agents recovered the laser device believed to have been used in the attack.

Image Credit: FBI Portland Division

Federal officials stressed the severity of the incident. “These four illegal aliens endangered the lives of our CBP personnel, the safety of every other aircraft in flight during the time and put everyone on the ground in immediate danger. DHS law enforcement is facing a 1,000% increase in attacks against them,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security.

The FBI Portland Division echoed that stance in a statement, adding: “The federal government will not tolerate violence against federal officers, nor will we tolerate assaults on personal, commercial, or government aircraft.”

Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal crime for good reason. Pilots can be blinded in an instant, putting not just their lives but everyone below them at risk. In this case, one reckless decision exposed the public to unnecessary danger — and led to the removal of four men who were already in the country unlawfully.

For Portland, a city often in the national spotlight for clashes involving federal officers, the arrests are another reminder that reckless stunts don’t just end in headlines — they end in handcuffs.

Some comments from X:


Share This Article

Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

Related Articles

X