PORTLAND, Ore. – The powerful sounds of the Portland brass band, Unpresidented Brass Band, continue to resonate through the city, even as one of its members faces serious charges following an arrest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Clarinetist Oriana Korol, a 38-year-old therapist and mother, was arrested on Sunday, October 12, 2025, during a protest, an incident that highlights the ongoing tensions between demonstrators and federal agents in Oregon. This particular Portland brass band is known for its unique approach to activism, often bringing its vibrant sound to the forefront of social justice movements.
A Portland Brass Band with a Mission: Bringing Joy to Activism
Founded in 2017 by trumpet player and electrical engineer Miles Thompson, the Unpresidented Brass Band emerged as a unique force in Portland’s progressive activism scene. The group’s primary objective, according to Thompson, is to counter the emotional toll of social justice work by infusing protests with joy and music. “We’re not terrorists,” Thompson stated, emphasizing the band’s role in channeling the community‘s “amazing care” outwards. Comprising a rotating ensemble of 10 to 20 musicians, this Portland brass band aims to de-escalate situations and encourage participants to “pause, step back, and start dancing”. Their performances, often featuring original compositions by Thompson, have become a familiar and uplifting presence at rallies and events across Portland, showcasing the power of protest music.
The Incident Outside the ICE Facility Involving a Portland Brass Band
The arrest occurred while the band was performing on the sidewalk outside the South Portland ICE facility. According to multiple reports, federal agents were in the process of arresting another individual when Korol, a member of the Portland brass band, was detained. Accounts differ on the precise circumstances. Bandleader Miles Thompson described the scene, stating that federal officers, in the process of apprehending a protester who ran toward the band, tackled Korol, who was near the commotion. He also reported that other band members were pepper-sprayed. In a video that circulated online, a federal agent is seen dragging Korol to the ground, with her clarinet falling nearby. This event underscores the risks faced by participants in Oregon protests, particularly those involved in Portland activism.
Charges and Community Response to the Portland Brass Band Member’s Arrest
Oriana Korol faces a felony charge of assaulting a federal officer. Official statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office allege that Korol interfered with the arrest of another subject and subsequently “kicked and bit a federal officer.” The charge carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in federal prison. Following her arrest, Korol was held at the Clark County Jail in Washington before making her initial appearance in federal court. She has since been released on conditions, which reportedly include staying away from the ICE building. The community has rallied around Korol, highlighting the importance of social justice and the role of mutual aid in supporting those targeted by law enforcement.
Supporters and band members have vocally disputed the allegations, asserting Korol’s peaceful intentions and characterizing her arrest as unlawful and excessive. The Portland Mutual Aid Network has called for her release. Thompson called the felony charge “absurd” and accused law enforcement of misrepresenting the events. The band’s situation has galvanized support from local social justice networks and mutual aid organizations, demonstrating the strong community ties within Portland activism and the broader brass band community.
A Continuing Tradition Amidst Federal Scrutiny for the Portland Brass Band
This incident is not isolated. Since mid-June 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has charged 34 individuals with federal crimes related to actions at the ICE facility, including assaults on officers, failure to comply, and property destruction. On the same night as Korol’s arrest, a 19-year-old Hillsboro resident was also charged with assaulting a federal officer near the same facility after allegedly resisting efforts to clear a path for vehicles. These events unfold against a backdrop of broader tensions in Portland, where protests against ICE operations and federal law enforcement presence have been frequent, sometimes leading to clashes and arrests. There have also been reports of federal agents impeding medical personnel assisting injured protesters during an ICE protest.
Despite the legal challenges and the heightened scrutiny, the Unpresidented Brass Band remains committed to its mission. “We’re just gonna keep bringing joy,” Thompson affirmed, underscoring the band’s belief that “Music is the opposite of violence”. As they prepare for future performances, the band continues to be a symbol of resilience and creative expression within the ongoing discourse on activism and law enforcement in Oregon. The news of these events provides a window into the complex interplay of protest, public safety, and artistic expression that defines contemporary life and leisure in the Pacific Northwest, with this Portland brass band at the forefront of the movement, proving the enduring power of a Portland brass band.
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