Reed College Faces Controversy Over FBI Involvement
Reed College in Portland, Oregon, announced on Tuesday that it has temporarily sidelined employees from senior positions while providing information to the FBI regarding graduates involved in violent incidents near immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) facilities.
The institution is looking into the actions of its Community Safety Director after media reports surfaced that he assisted the FBI in identifying Robert Hoops, a defendant accused of throwing rocks at federal agents during a riot on June 14. According to court documents, during the unrest outside an ICE building in Portland, Hoops reportedly engaged with other rioters while using a closed stop sign as a makeshift weapon.
The director stated, “We have disclosed information about this alumnus to federal law enforcement. Reed has established protocols and values and is beginning to investigate this behavior and its standards and impact on the community.” He emphasized that the college prioritizes the privacy and rights of all individuals associated with the institution.
Granger, the director, declined to provide further comments to the press. His LinkedIn profile reveals he’s held the position since June 2010. In his absence, two acting directors have been appointed. The media team at Reed did not respond to inquiries for clarification.
The FBI reportedly utilized facial recognition software, public records, and even tattoos to identify Hoops, despite him allegedly wearing a gas mask during the riot. After an agent reached out to the college about Hoops, Granger shared his full name, Portland address, and telephone number.
Hoops was arrested on Friday and appeared in court on Monday, facing serious charges including aggravated assault on a federal officer and damaging federal property, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
An Oregon lawyer commented on the case in local media, though there was no response to requests for representation on behalf of Hoops. His father described him to the press as a “lifelong Quaker deeply committed to pacifism,” in light of the accusations against him.
The DOJ has charged 23 individuals in connection with protests at ICE facilities in Portland since the intensified deportation policies under the Trump administration. A judge, appointed by a Democratic administration, chose to release some suspects, including Hoops, despite the DOJ’s objections.
In addressing the community, President Birger expressed that recent events can understandably raise concerns and emphasized the importance of the university taking this matter seriously. The FBI’s Portland office has chosen not to comment on the situation.
