Portland Police arrested independent journalist Nick Sortor on October 2, 2025, during a protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. The arrest has drawn attention and criticism, particularly after videos surfaced showing police allowing some protesters to go free while detaining Sortor.
Explainer DOJ Launches Investigation Into Portland Police Practices Amid Antifa Protests
Sortor was charged with disorderly conduct after he recorded video footage of protesters being maced by federal agents. "I was getting video of protesters getting maced by federal agents, which was embarrassing video for them," Sortor told Fox News reporter Bill Melugin shortly after his release.
The incident occurred as tensions escalated during a protest against ICE. According to Sortor, he was surrounded and attacked by Antifa militants for filming their actions. Melugin reported that police observed the threats but did not intervene at the time.
In a statement released the following morning, the Portland Police Bureau confirmed that three individuals were arrested during the protest, including Sortor, Angela Davis, 49, and Son Mi Yi, 43. All were booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of disorderly conduct.
The police statement did not provide details about the altercation or the circumstances leading to the arrests. However, Melugin noted that the police appeared to prioritize gathering witness statements regarding potential wrongdoing by federal agents instead of addressing the protesters' actions.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced an investigation into the Portland Police Bureau following Sortor's arrest. "I have ordered a full investigation into the Portland Police Bureau, following my wrongful arrest last night," Sortor tweeted, sharing details of his conversation with Bondi.
The situation has raised questions about the police response to protests in Portland, particularly regarding the treatment of journalists. Earlier in the week, another reporter, Katie Daviscourt, was injured while covering a protest when a demonstrator struck her with a flagpole. Daviscourt reported that police did not intervene during the incident, which has led to criticism of their handling of protests.
In a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed Sortor's arrest, stating that President Trump is considering sending additional federal law enforcement to Portland. Leavitt also mentioned potential cuts to federal funding for the city if it fails to cooperate in addressing crime.
The events in Portland reflect ongoing tensions surrounding protests and law enforcement responses, particularly in the context of the heightened activity of groups like Antifa since the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Critics argue that police have been inconsistent in their enforcement of the law, particularly regarding the treatment of journalists versus protesters.
As the investigation unfolds, the Portland Police Bureau faces scrutiny over its actions during the protests and the broader implications for press freedom and public safety in the city.
Why it matters
- Nick Sortor's arrest highlights concerns over police treatment of journalists during protests, raising questions about press freedom.
- The incident has sparked an investigation into Portland Police practices, reflecting ongoing tensions in protest responses.
- Videos showing selective enforcement by police during the protest have fueled public criticism and calls for accountability.
What’s next
- Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a full investigation into the Portland Police Bureau's actions during the protest.
- The White House is considering sending additional federal law enforcement to Portland in response to the unrest.
- Potential cuts to federal funding for Portland are on the table if the city fails to address crime effectively.