Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a full investigation into the Portland Police Bureau following the arrest of conservative journalist Nick Sotor outside an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday night. The incident occurred as Sotor was peacefully covering anti-ICE protests and reportedly rescued an American flag that had been set ablaze.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon is leading the probe. Federal authorities have also increased resources in Portland, with the Department of War reportedly deploying “all necessary troops” to address what officials described as a “radical left’s reign of terror.”
Sotor was arrested after intervening during the protest, where he claimed antifa agitators attacked him and destroyed his camera. He later told Fox News journalist Bill Melugin that he was charged with disorderly conduct and alleged the arrest would “backfire on them tremendously.” Sotor described being surrounded by protesters, punched, and left helpless as Portland police intervened, handcuffing him instead of assisting.
The incident follows a separate attack on Post Millennial reporter Katie Daviscourt earlier in the week, who was assaulted by an antifa agitator outside the ICE facility. Portland Police did not arrest the suspect, allowing them to flee to an “antifa safehouse.” Sotor criticized the police for allegedly favoring violent protesters over law enforcement and journalists.
Dhillon sent a letter to Portland officials demanding documents related to Sotor’s arrest and the failure to prosecute Daviscourt’s attacker. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Trump is determined to end “the radical left’s reign of terror” in Portland, directing the Department of War to deploy troops to protect ICE facilities. She also indicated plans to revoke federal aid to the city, calling its response to unrest unacceptable.
Sotor later took to social media, accusing Portland police of being “corrupt and controlled by violent Antifa thugs.” Dhillon echoed this sentiment, posting on X: “Portland: it’s FO time. Buckle up.”
A statement from the Portland Police Bureau acknowledged public interest in recent arrests but emphasized that charges are based on observed behavior, not political affiliation.
