Gibson, Joey
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Joey Gibson |
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|---|---|
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| Agency | N/A |
| Role | Provocateur |
| Field Office | Unknown |
| State | Oregon |
| Status | Active |
| Verification |
Verified |
Joey Gibson
- Joey Gibson** (born November 8, 1983) is an American right-wing activist and the founder of **Patriot Prayer**, a far-right group that has repeatedly mobilized around immigration-related protests. Gibson is listed in ICE List for his documented role in provoking protesters at ICE facilities and ICE-adjacent demonstrations, including incidents in **Portland, Oregon**, where he has been identified.
Documented Activity
This list updates automatically when incident pages link to this agent.
Background
Gibson was born in Clark County, Washington, and later became active in right-wing street politics in the Pacific Northwest. He founded Patriot Prayer in 2016 and has since organized or appeared at numerous demonstrations characterized by confrontation with counter-protesters, including anti-fascist groups and immigration rights activists.
Patriot Prayer events have frequently drawn participation from other far-right organizations, including the Proud Boys, and have resulted in repeated clashes with counter-protesters in Portland and surrounding areas.
ICE-Related Provocation
Gibson has been repeatedly documented appearing at or near demonstrations connected to ICE operations or immigration enforcement, where he has engaged in behavior described by media and law enforcement sources as antagonistic or provocative toward protesters opposing ICE.
Reporting has also documented close contact between Gibson and Portland police during periods of heightened protest activity related to immigration enforcement, raising public scrutiny over coordination and information-sharing during demonstrations.
Legal History
Gibson was indicted in 2019 on felony riot charges stemming from a May Day confrontation in Portland involving Patriot Prayer and anti-fascist protesters. Although he was ultimately acquitted in 2022, the presiding judge acknowledged his presence and conduct during the confrontation while ruling that his actions constituted protected speech under Oregon law.
Evidence and Sources
- Reuters – [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/facebook-removes-pages-right-wing-group-patriot-prayer-after-portland-unrest-2020-09-04/) Facebook removes pages of right-wing group Patriot Prayer after Portland unrest] – documents Joey Gibson’s leadership of Patriot Prayer and repeated confrontations during Portland protests, including demonstrations tied to immigration enforcement.
- Willamette Week – [[2](https://www.wweek.com/news/courts/2019/02/14/texts-between-portland-police-and-patriot-prayer-ringleader-joey-gibson-show-warm-exchange/) Texts Between Portland Police and Patriot Prayer Ringleader Joey Gibson Show Warm Exchange] – details Gibson’s coordination and presence during confrontational protest activity in Portland.
- NBC News – [[3](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/disturbing-texts-between-oregon-police-far-right-group-prompt-n969021) “Disturbing” texts between Oregon police and far-right group prompt investigation] – covers Gibson’s role in far-right street protests and scrutiny over police communications during demonstrations.
- OPB – [[4](https://www.opb.org/article/2020/09/04/facebook-removes-patriot-prayer-founder-joey-gibson-pages/) Facebook removes Patriot Prayer founder Joey Gibson’s pages] – reporting on Gibson’s organizing role in Portland protests amid unrest tied to policing and federal enforcement.
- The Oregonian – [[5](https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2019/08/joey-gibson-faces-felony-charge-in-fight-at-ne-portlands-cider-riot.html) Joey Gibson faces felony charge in fight at NE Portland’s Cider Riot] – documents Gibson’s presence and conduct during violent confrontations with counter-protesters in Portland.
- Associated Press – [[6](https://apnews.com/article/portland-protests-joey-gibson-patriot-prayer-2d6a6b6c61b7e2e2c9baf4cf02f7c7a4) Judge acquits Patriot Prayer founder in Portland riot case]
Notes
This entry focuses on Gibson’s documented role in provoking protesters at ICE-related demonstrations and does not imply employment by ICE.