Emergency flights diverted from Portland hospital amid 'laser party' threats at ICE facility: report
Share this @internewscast.com

A proposal to aim laser lights at the sky to disrupt federal helicopters in South Portland has raised significant safety concerns and led a major trauma hospital to divert air ambulances.

An online flyer on the homepage of Rose City Counter-Info, a self-described “anarchist counter-info platform in so-called Portland, Oregon,” encourages participation in a “laser tag” event targeting federal aircraft.

The post advises participants to wear masks, coordinate with others, and take precautions to avoid being identified—such as cleaning laser pointers with alcohol, wearing gloves, and eliminating DNA traces before disposal.

Due to this planned activity, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) noted that several air ambulance services declined to land at the hospital’s rooftop helipad on Saturday night, as reported by KGW.

“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal crime. It poses significant danger to both the aircraft personnel and public safety,” stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a previous statement to Fox News Digital. “Antifa domestic terrorists WILL NOT take over our cities. We will dismantle their networks and ensure they face justice.”

Federal officials referenced a recent incident to highlight the dangers of such actions. On September 30, DHS disclosed the arrest of four Mexican nationals living in the U.S. illegally in Portland, after allegedly targeting a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter with a laser, jeopardizing both the crew and those on the ground.

Portland has remained a focal point for demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement, with protests near the ICE facility continuing for several weeks. In some instances, demonstrators have displayed provocative props such as a guillotine to symbolize opposition to federal actions.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem points

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem observes the scene of ongoing protests at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on October 7, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited the ICE facility in Portland, where she prayed with officers dealing with the ongoing unrest.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, however, disputed characterizations of widespread disorder. “There is no insurrection,” Kotek said, expressing confidence that “local law enforcement will meet the moment.” She added that during her meeting with Noem, she reiterated Oregon’s expectation that DHS and ICE operations comply with state law.

Kotek joins several other Democratic governors who have pushed back against the Trump administration’s expanded federal enforcement efforts.

Fox News Digital has reached out to OHSU for comment. 

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago Marathon 2025: Thousands of runners descend on Windy City ahead of Bank of America Chicago Marathon October 12

Chicago Marathon 2025: Thousands of Runners Hit the Streets Ahead of Bank of America Race on October 12

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the 47th Bank of America Chicago Marathon approaches…
As the National Guard enters Memphis, memories of MLK and 1968 unrest resurface

National Guard’s Arrival in Memphis Sparks Memories of MLK and 1968 Turmoil

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — As National Guard troops make their way to…
Ronald Exantus, who killed Logan Tipton in Kentucky, arrested in Florida

Ronald Exantus, Convicted of Killing Kentucky Child Logan Tipton, Arrested Again in Florida

Ronald Exantus’ early release from prison got the attention of Florida Gov.…
Chinese underground church pastor, father of US citizens, detained by authorities, family says

Chinese Underground Church Pastor and Father of U.S. Citizens Detained by Authorities, According to Family

The pastor of one of China’s largest underground evangelical congregations was arrested…
'Real Housewives of Potomac' star and her husband arrested on fraud charges

‘”Real Housewives of Potomac” Star and Spouse Face Fraud Arrests’

According to investigators, at least $20,000 worth of the reportedly stolen items…
FBI investigating attack in Boulder, Colorado as 'act of terror,' several victims with burn injuries, suspect in custody

Off-Duty Lake County Jail Officer Ronald T. Jones Fatally Struck in Hit-and-Run Accident in Schererville, Indiana

SCHERERVILLE, Ind. (WLS) — An off-duty correctional officer was killed in a…
Court: National Guard troops sent to Illinois by Trump can stay but can’t be deployed for now

Court Decision: National Guard Troops Sent to Illinois by Trump Can Remain, but Deployment is Restricted for Now

CHICAGO (AP) — An appeals court determined on Saturday that although National…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Police Report: One Dead, One Critically Injured, Two Detained Following West 23rd Street Shooting

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the two individuals detained were taken to…
PHOTOS: Flooding in Jacksonville and St. Augustine

IMAGES: Flooding Hits Jacksonville and St. Augustine

A mix of astronomical king tides and a local nor’easter caused extensive…
Chicago's oversight agencies fall short of mandatory budget floors, Better Government Association Policy finds

Better Government Association Policy Report Reveals Chicago Oversight Agencies Don’t Meet Required Budget Minimums

CHICAGO (WLS) — An analysis by BGA Policy reveals that the budgets…
Luigi Mangione's attorneys say death-eligible charge must be dismissed

Luigi Mangione’s Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Death Penalty Charge

Defense attorneys for Luigi Mangione, accused of murder, are requesting the dismissal…
'Family Matters' star Darius McCrary arrested near U.S.-Mexico border

“Actor Darius McCrary from ‘Family Matters’ Taken into Custody Near U.S.-Mexico Border”

Actor and singer Darius McCrary, famous for his role as Eddie Winslow…