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