The Justice Department has initiated an investigation into the Portland Police Department (PPB) over allegations of “viewpoint discrimination,” following the arrest of a conservative journalist. Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights, outlined concerns in a letter to Portland City Attorney Robert Taylor and Police Chief Bob Day, citing the PPB’s handling of incidents near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The letter highlighted specific actions, including the arrest of a conservative journalist and alleged restrictions on ICE operations in the city.

Dhillon’s office requested unredacted incident reports related to use-of-force cases, arrests, and communications with officers responding to protests at ICE facilities over the past 30 days. A deadline of October 10 was set for the submission of these materials. The inquiry comes as Portland lawyers fought in court to block National Guard deployment to protect federal property.

Dhillon emphasized the department’s failure to uphold First Amendment rights, stating, “Portland Police Department—the First Amendment is NOT optional!” She also confirmed discussions with Nick Sortor, a conservative influencer arrested outside an ICE facility, and Attorney General Pam Bondi about the need for a federal civil rights investigation. Portland has been under a consent decree since 2012 due to systemic police issues.

Sortor, one of three individuals arrested at the ICE site, was released on his own recognizance. He shared Dhillon’s letter on social media, praising her “waste NO TIME” in holding Portland accountable. The Justice Department also requested body camera footage and details about journalists allegedly attacked in the city without police intervention.