Attorney General Pam Bondi has confirmed that she will be investigating the arrest of independent journalist Nick Sortor in Portland. Sortor revealed the news in a post on X, shortly after his release.
The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) issued a statement regarding the arrest, which took place near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on October 2. According to authorities, Sortor was detained on suspicion of second-degree disorderly conduct after a clash involving demonstrators, counter-protesters, and federal agents.
Among those arrested was an individual known to have a significant social media presence, as well as others representing a range of political viewpoints.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) October 3, 2025
Portland Police Bureau Issues Statement
In an official statement, the PPB emphasized that arrests were made based on observed behavior and probable cause, not political views or social media activity.
The bureau explained that formal charges will be reviewed by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Officials stressed their dedication to public safety, impartial law enforcement, and protecting lawful assembly rights.
Attorney General Pam Bondi Orders Probe
Following his release, Nick Sortor claimed that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called him directly to confirm a federal probe into the actions of Portland police.
According to Sortor, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has been assigned to lead the inquiry. He publicly thanked Bondi, stating: “The Trump DOJ will not allow Portland Police to continue to do the bidding of Antifa.”
Nick Sortor’s Account of His Arrest
In an interview with Fox News, Sortor alleged that he was attacked by Antifa members before approaching police for help. Instead of receiving protection, he claimed he was arrested.
Hey @PortlandPolice: you made a big freaking mistake.
You PROVED what we’ve all been saying for years: you’re CORRUPT and CONTROLLED by vioIent Antifa thugs who terrorize the streets
You thought arresting me would make me shut up and go away. You couldn’t have been more wrong.… pic.twitter.com/Dz8oJ3V8NP
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 3, 2025
He further said officers did not inform him of the charges immediately, and it took over an hour to learn he was accused of disorderly conduct. Sortor insisted that he was only filming clashes between protesters and federal agents when the arrest occurred.
🚨 BREAKING: Asst AG Harmeet Dhillon has ALREADY sent a letter to the City of Portland, demanding documents related to Portland PD’s targeted arrest of me, as well as their refusal to arrest @KatieDaviscourt’s attacker
Harmeet is wasting NO TIME holding Portland accountable! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/L6uqdkMcl2
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 3, 2025
Police Provide Timeline of Events
According to PPB, around 8:09 p.m., officers observed two men fighting near the ICE building driveway. Dialogue officers requested assistance, and both individuals were detained by federal officers. However, they were later released after neither party wished to file a report.
Police stated they continued monitoring the demonstration and responded again as fights escalated later in the night.
