DOJ Launches Investigation into Portland Police Practices Amid Antifa Protests

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) following allegations of unlawful policing during protests involving Antifa. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced the probe on October 3, 2025, citing concerns over the treatment of independent reporters and potential violations of constitutional rights.

Explainer DOJ Launches Investigation Into Portland Police Practices Amid Antifa Protests

The investigation comes after reports surfaced that Antifa members attacked journalists covering protests at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland. Dhillon's office is particularly focused on the PPB's handling of these incidents, questioning whether the police may have engaged in viewpoint discrimination.

"We will not leave the people of Portland at the whims of criminals and woke cops," Dhillon stated in a post on social media. She emphasized that unlawful policing will not be tolerated and demanded answers regarding the PPB's actions during the protests.

The situation escalated on October 2, when police arrested Nick Sortor, a conservative journalist, on disorderly conduct charges amid clashes with protesters. Sortor claimed he was assaulted by Antifa members before his arrest. He described the incident, stating, "I get back up, I stumble away and go back toward cops where I think, you know, at least, all right, well, maybe that’ll be a safer place for me to go."

Katie Daviscourt, another reporter present at the protests, reported being assaulted with a flagpole while covering the events. She noted that PPB officers announced they were making targeted arrests following several scuffles, raising questions about the criteria used for those arrests.

In her letter to Portland Police Chief Bob Day and City Attorney Robert Taylor, Dhillon expressed concern that the PPB failed to identify or arrest individuals accused of assaulting Daviscourt. The DOJ's investigation will examine whether the PPB's actions align with a previous settlement agreement with the DOJ aimed at reforming policing practices in the city.

The PPB has stated that its role includes both public safety and addressing criminal acts during protests. In an incident report, the department noted that officers observed a fight involving multiple individuals and called for backup. The police maintained that tensions were high and that arrests may occur later, even if not immediately at the scene.

Critics of the PPB, including Dhillon, argue that the police have not adequately protected the rights of counter-protesters and journalists. Dhillon's letter requested various documents from the city, including body-worn camera footage and incident reports related to the protests.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has previously criticized ICE's detention practices, stating that the agency has failed to adhere to community commitments regarding detention limits. He expressed concern over the city’s ongoing conflict with federal immigration enforcement.

As the investigation unfolds, the DOJ aims to ensure that the PPB addresses any patterns of conduct that may infringe upon individuals' rights. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for policing practices in Portland and the broader relationship between local law enforcement and federal authorities.

The investigation highlights ongoing tensions in Portland, where protests have frequently turned violent. The DOJ's scrutiny reflects a growing concern over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional rights during demonstrations.