Conservative Influencer Nick Sortor’s Portland Arrest Triggers DOJ Probe, Federal Funding Review
Conservative Influencer Nick Sortor’s Portland Arrest Triggers DOJ Probe, Federal Funding Review
The recent arrest and subsequent release of conservative influencer Nick Sortor in Portland, Oregon, has rapidly escalated into a federal investigation by the Justice Department and prompted the Trump administration to threaten a review of federal aid to the city. Sortor, 27, was detained late Thursday night on suspicion of second-degree disorderly conduct following clashes outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, a site of ongoing protests against federal immigration policies.
Sortor, who boasts 1.2 million followers on X, was released without bond early Friday, alongside another individual. He claims his arrest was “wrongful” and part of a corrupt system controlled by “violent Antifa thugs.” Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly contacted Sortor on Friday morning, confirming the Justice Department’s intent to investigate the incident, with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon overseeing the probe.
The Portland Police Bureau, however, maintains that arrests are based solely on “observed behavior and probable cause – not political affiliation or public profile.” They denied any political motivation behind Sortor’s detention, noting that individuals across the political spectrum were involved in the incidents.
The controversy quickly drew national attention, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announcing Friday that President Trump has directed his team to review aid to Portland, stating, “We will not fund states that allow anarchy.” This threat comes as the city grapples with federal intervention, including the planned deployment of 200 National Guard troops, a move contested by Portland and Oregon state officials who have filed a lawsuit.
The ICE facility has been a focal point for protests, and Sortor had been documenting these events, previously tweeting speculation about potential detention. The incident further highlights the deep divisions and ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic-led cities like Portland, particularly concerning law enforcement and protest management.
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