A US journalist and influencer reported a frightening street incident while covering protests in Minnesota. Nick Sortor said he was attacked by “Somali thugs” while reporting about a protest against ICE
operations. According to a video shared online, a group surrounded the vehicle in which he was travelling with another journalist, Cam Higby. Sortor claimed his camera, worth $1000, was stolen during the chaos. The situation quickly turned dangerous as the crowd damaged the car and threatened them.
While trying to retrieve his camera, Sortor said the suspects drove away suddenly, while his hand was still stuck in the car door. The road was icy, which made the moment even more risky. He also shared that some bystanders asked them to leave the area and claimed they didn’t belong there. Some even allegedly followed their car for nearly half an hour and honked continuously. Soon after the influencer shared details of the attack on social media, the FBI responded by showing support and said they are investigating the matter.
Journalist Reports Violent Incident During Protest Coverage
The situation started suddenly when someone with Nick Sortor noticed something was wrong. Sortor then jumped out and ran after the thief. A struggle happened on the road, but it was blocked from view. Soon after, the suspect drove away and Sortor was seen holding the side door handle as the car moved. His team followed and kept asking for the camera to be returned. Moments later, the video showed Sortor walking on the footpath after managing to free his hand.
He looked shaken and said his camera was taken away. A few locals then shouted and gathered around Sortor and his team, while asking them to go away. Sortor later said no one tried to help them and his cameraman said they had the right to be there, as it was a public place.
Taking to X, Nick Sortor explained, “A group of Somali thugs just ROBBED me of my $1,000 camera in the Cedar Riverside neighbourhood of Minneapolis. They then DRAGGED ME DOWN THE STREET as my hand got trapped in their door handle. NOBODY bothered helping. DHS MUST RAID THIS PLACE.”
In response, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) wrote, “We’re on it.”
We’re on it. https://t.co/NfTouaIb0a
— FBI Rapid Response (@FBI_Response) January 19, 2026
ICE Presence In Minneapolis Adds To Tensions
According to Sky News, President Donald Trump sent more than 3000 ICE officers to the Minneapolis area against illegal immigration. Their arrival caused anger, as locals were unhappy with their presence. The government said the officers were sent to catch people involved in serious crimes such as fraud, murder, sexual crimes and gang activity. This move came after claims that some childcare centres in Minnesota, run by Somali residents, were involved in welfare fraud.
