AG Pam Bondi’s Legal Action Following Nick Sortor’s Arrest

The U.S. Department of Justice is opening a civil rights investigation. This follows the controversial arrest of journalist Nick Sortor in Portland. The incident occurred outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Attorney General Pam Bondi personally informed Sortor of the probe.

According to Reuters, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon will lead the investigation. The probe will focus on the conduct of the Portland Police Bureau. This action was confirmed directly to the independent journalist following his release.

DOJ Investigation Targets Portland Police Actions

The investigation was ordered by Attorney General Pam Bondi. She confirmed the decision in a direct phone call to Sortor. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is treating the matter as a high priority.

Portland police arrested Sortor on Thursday night. He was documenting anti-ICE protests at the time. The arrest followed an altercation with demonstrators.

Authorities placed Sortor in a police vehicle. They reportedly deliberated on what charges to file. The journalist was later released without initial charges being detailed.

Arrest Incident and National Guard Deployment

The altercation began when protestors surrounded Sortor. Someone in the crowd allegedly threw a punch at him. Sortor reportedly attempted to retaliate but missed his target.

He then disengaged from the physical confrontation. When he approached police for assistance, they arrested him instead. This occurred despite other individuals being involved in the incident.

President Donald Trump has ordered National Guard deployment to Portland. The city’s ICE facility has experienced repeated violence since June. Facility directors have reported slow or non-existent police responses to previous incidents.

The Department of Justice investigation underscores the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and press freedoms in Portland, marking a significant federal response to the journalist’s arrest.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Nick Sortor?

Nick Sortor is an independent journalist. He was reporting on protests in Portland. His arrest prompted the DOJ investigation.

What sparked the Portland protests?

Demonstrations targeted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. The protests have involved periodic violence. They have been ongoing for several months.

What is the DOJ investigating?

The investigation will examine Portland Police conduct. It focuses on potential civil rights violations. The probe will assess the arrest’s legality and circumstances.

Has Portland seen similar federal interventions?

Federal involvement in Portland law enforcement has occurred before. This particular DOJ civil rights investigation represents a new development. It follows patterns of federal scrutiny toward the city’s police practices.

What happens next in the investigation?

Assistant AG Dhillon will lead the evidence collection process. The Portland Police Bureau must cooperate with federal investigators. Findings could lead to policy changes or legal actions.