Smith, who had two press passes and a large camera hanging around his neck, said he thought he’d be able to record from a safe distance as officers entered the camp. But instead of entering the camp, officers rushed forward and made about 10 arrests. Smith said he and an independent journalist were among those arrested.

Lt. Tom Iverson of the North Dakota Highway Patrol said everyone there was given clear warnings that they needed to move or be subject to arrest.

“If you’re credentialed or not credentialed, you still have to obey the laws and obey commands given to you by law enforcement. All people have to do that,” Iverson said.

Smith has not had his camera or laptop returned to him since his arrest.

Also Thursday, the board of the North Dakota Newspaper Association discussed concerns about the media credentialing process implemented last week by the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

The state agency said in a news release it would not credential freelance reporters or photographers “without a specific assignment from a legitimate news outlet.”