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DHS Defends Arrest of Comedian at Portland ICE Protest After Viral Video

Officials dispute the video’s context, citing repeated trespass warnings.

Overview

  • Video shows three camouflaged officers emerging from the South Portland ICE facility to detain Rob Potylo, known as Robby Roadsteamer, while a third officer faces the crowd with a rifle.
  • The Department of Homeland Security says officers told him multiple times to step off federal property and arrested him after he refused to comply.
  • Potylo says he was questioned for about an hour and released, alleges agents fired pepper balls in his direction, and plans to sue over the detention.
  • A fundraising page seeking to cover legal costs reports a trespassing charge and a required court appearance in Portland, and it has raised more than $111,000 toward a $140,000 goal.
  • Portland police say the officers seen with 'POLICE' patches in the video are not from the Portland Police Department, as protests outside the facility continue.