A man from Oregon has been arrested for allegedly directing a green laser at a helicopter operated by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Portland, during tumultuous protests against ICE in the area, as announced by federal prosecutors on Thursday.
Brian Keith Kapileo Nepaial, aged 38, reportedly targeted the helicopter on October 3, prompting the pilots to make an early landing, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Oregon.
Following a search of Nepaial’s residence conducted by the FBI a week later, agents discovered a laser device, over 100 grams of methamphetamine, and various items indicative of drug trafficking, per the statement from the district attorney’s office.
According to court documents, Nepaial aimed the laser at the CBP helicopter as it flew over his property while he was on his porch.
After the incident, the pilots circled back and observed Nepaial retreating into his residence.
“The use of lasers against aircraft poses serious dangers with potentially fatal outcomes. Such actions endanger the lives of both pilots and the general public,” stated Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
On October 10, during the FBI’s raid on his home, they discovered Nepaial barricaded in his bathroom, with the laser sitting on his nightstand next to a bag of meth and a pipe.
While the act of aiming a laser at an aircraft carries a maximum penalty of five years, Nepaial could face up to 40 years in federal prison for his drug possession, as indicated in the press release.
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Authorities noted that Nepaial was already on probation for drug distribution in Washington County.
Five days following Nepaial’s alleged offense, Antifa organizers in Portland circulated a flyer online inviting supporters to play “laser tag” by directing lasers at federal aircraft to bring them down.
“Antifa domestic terrorists will not take over our streets. We will dismantle their networks and hold each one accountable,” declared a statement from the Department of Homeland Security issued following the distribution of the flyer.
In September, another individual, Hector Miranda-Mendoza, faced allegations of targeting a CBP helicopter with a laser in Portland.
Residents describe downtown Portland as a “war zone,” with frequent clashes occurring between anti-ICE demonstrators and federal law enforcement.
Since June 13, the Oregon District Attorney’s Office has charged 34 individuals in connection with violent incidents near a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
The Department of Homeland Security has sought federal support for Portland, but attempts by President Trump to deploy the National Guard have been blocked by court rulings.
