A conservative journalist’s claim that he was detained by police after escaping death threats from Minneapolis protesters exposes the dangerous reality of political violence in America’s streets.
When Journalism Becomes a Target
Nick Sortor arrived at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 11th to document an anti-ICE protest, but found himself fighting for his life instead of filming news. The conservative content creator claims protesters surrounded his vehicle, spray-painted it, smashed windows, and made explicit death threats while he and collaborator Cam Higby tried to escape the chaos.
The incident reveals how political documentation has become a dangerous profession in America. Sortor repeatedly warned protesters to move away from his vehicle before driving off, according to his account. Yet within minutes, those same protesters had weaponized the 911 system against him, falsely claiming he possessed firearms and was deliberately striking people with his car.
The “peaceful protestors” are at it again.
Surrounding my vehicle. Breaking my windows. Spray painting the car.
Telling @camhigby and I over and over that they’re going to kiII us.
We are safe.
But police have *US* detained because rioters called 911 on *US*
NOT SHUTTING UP! pic.twitter.com/vtosAOB3Hv
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 12, 2026
The Pattern of Political Persecution
This Minneapolis incident represents the second time in four months that Sortor has been arrested while covering immigration enforcement protests. His October 2025 Portland arrest during an ICE facility demonstration resulted in second-degree disorderly conduct charges, with the Justice Department now investigating the circumstances of his detention.
The pattern suggests a coordinated effort to silence conservative voices documenting protest activities. Sortor’s colleague Cam Higby emphasized their purely observational role, stating they only left their vehicle when rioters clashed with federal agents, and their job was simply to film events as they unfolded.
Competing Narratives and Missing Facts
Anonymous social media users have leveled serious counter-accusations against Sortor and Higby, claiming they ran over protesters and that one of them punched a woman. These allegations remain unverified, with no official police reports, medical records, or independent witness statements supporting either version of events.
The absence of official police statements explaining why Sortor and Higby were detained raises troubling questions about law enforcement priorities. Were they arrested as suspects or held for their own protection? The silence from Minneapolis authorities allows speculation to flourish while facts remain buried.
Sources:
Portland Oregon ICE protest Trump footage court