Judge Demands Proof of 'Trophy Photo' in Portland ICE Protest Case

Sentencing delayed as court seeks evidence of officers posing with arrested protester.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:03pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker or crime scene object, such as a proximity card reader, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the disputed evidence in this case.A disputed 'trophy photo' could undermine public trust in how federal authorities handled a Portland protest arrest.Beaverton Today

A federal judge in Portland has ordered prosecutors to produce any photos or video that may show federal officers posing for a 'trophy photo' with an arrested protester outside the city's ICE field office. The disputed evidence has become a central issue in the sentencing of 31-year-old August Dean Gordon, who pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer during the protest. The judge has delayed Gordon's sentencing to May 15, 2026 to resolve whether such images exist and how they should impact his punishment.

Why it matters

The potential existence of a 'trophy photo' raises concerns about the conduct of federal officers during the arrest and the credibility of the government's account. If proven, such images could undermine public trust, lead to further investigations, and influence the court's sentencing decision.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, surveillance video captured Gordon pulling a proximity card reader from a stanchion outside the ICE field office. Arresting officers later photographed Gordon and his clothing. However, defense counsel has alleged that federal officers went further and posed for a photo with Gordon while he was on his knees. The judge has now ordered prosecutors to determine if such an image exists.

  • On July 2025, Gordon was charged with willful depredation of government property and assaulting a federal officer.
  • On October 14, 2025, Gordon pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer.
  • On May 15, 2026, the court will hold a hearing to resolve the disputed evidence and determine Gordon's sentence.

The players

August Dean Gordon

A 31-year-old Beaverton resident who pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer during a protest outside the Portland ICE field office.

Judge Amy Baggio

The U.S. District Judge presiding over the case who has ordered prosecutors to produce any evidence of a 'trophy photo' involving the arrested protester.

Clais Daniels-Edwards

The defense counsel who has alleged that federal officers posed for a photo with the arrested protester.

Greg Nyhus

The federal prosecutor who has recommended a roughly four-month sentence for Gordon.

U.S. Attorney's Office

The office that announced the charges against Gordon in July 2025 and is now tasked with producing the requested evidence.

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What they’re saying

“The truth of the matter is important.”

— Judge Amy Baggio, U.S. District Judge

What’s next

The judge has ordered prosecutors to produce any video or photographs related to Gordon's arrest by the May 15, 2026 sentencing hearing. The court will then determine how the disputed evidence, if it exists, should impact Gordon's punishment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, especially when it comes to the handling of protesters. The potential existence of a 'trophy photo' could undermine public trust and lead to further investigations into the conduct of federal officers during the arrest.