PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 11, 2026) — A Portland man was found guilty Tuesday of failing to obey a lawful order and creating a disturbance at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland after two separate confrontations with federal law enforcement officers last summer, according to court records.
David Pearl, 35, was convicted on two counts following a bench trial — count one for failing to obey a lawful order and count two for creating a disturbance.
The charges stem from incidents on June 21 and June 29, 2025, at the ICE facility in South Portland, where federal authorities said Pearl interfered with law enforcement operations during demonstrations.
According to court documents, on the evening of June 21, 2025, law enforcement vehicles were prevented from leaving the ICE facility by a line of people. While most of the crowd dispersed, Pearl and others refused to move and were taken into custody.
Eight days later, on June 29, 2025, Pearl returned to the facility during another law enforcement action. As federal law enforcement officers attempted to arrest another individual, Pearl interfered by attempting to physically separate the individual from the officers. Pearl was taken into custody and cited for impeding or disrupting the performance of official duties by a government employee, authorities said.
Federal prosecutors said Pearl was formally charged on June 30, 2025, by information with two counts of failing to obey a lawful order and creating a disturbance. Following a bench trial, the judge found him guilty on both counts.
No sentencing date or potential penalties were immediately released.
The case was investigated by the Federal Protective Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Bolstad and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Bodell prosecuted the case.
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