Statement From The Salem City Manager And City Attorney Concerning Use Of Force By Federal Law Enforcement On Salem Residents - 02/02/26
The City of Salem is aware of reports of federal law enforcement use of force against Salem residents. The reports allege racial profiling, detention, property damage and injuries to Salem residents by masked teams of federal agents. The City condemns any illegal use of force and any violation of residents’ constitutional rights.
We urge residents to know their rights and take lawful steps to protect themselves: Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights - ACLU of Oregon.
The City recognizes that these reports have caused fear, anxiety, and distress within the Salem community, and we share in residents’ concern for the safety and well-being of all affected. We join calls for the State of Oregon and federal government to reassure and protect residents from these types of actions by federal law enforcement.
In alignment with City Council, we encourage Oregon’s federal delegation to address: (a) a comprehensive approach to solve our broken immigration system in order to provide a realistic pathway to citizenship for all aspiring Americans, and (b) protect our immigrant and other vulnerable communities from the unlawful and unnecessary actions being taken by federal agents in the name of immigration enforcement.
What to do if you witness a crime: If you are the victim of or witness a crime, you are encouraged to call 911 to report the incident. Salem Police will respond to active scenes and attempt to deescalate the situation. If an incident involves federal law enforcement in performance of their duties, the U.S. Constitution restricts the City and police from interfering with federal law enforcement. Investigation and potential referral of criminal charges involving federal law enforcement is under the jurisdiction of federal authorities.
Residents may contact the Department of Homeland Security, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties online at: https//www.dhs.gov/file-civil-rights-complaint, or the FBI at: Electronic Tip Form | FBI or Portland — FBI.
Guidance from State law: Under Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise law, the City does not and is prohibited from cooperating with federal enforcement of immigration law. Neither the City, nor the Salem Police Department, cooperate or assist the federal government’s enforcement of immigration law. The Salem City Council has reaffirmed the City’s commitment to Oregon Sanctuary Promise law and in recognition of the impacts of the federal government’s actions, has declared a state of emergency in Salem.
Guidance from Federal law: Under the U.S. Constitution and federal law, local law enforcement is also prohibited from interfering with federal officers in the performance of their duties, even if it is alleged or believed that the federal officers are violating the law or infringing on someone’s constitutional rights.
Krishna Namburi, City Manager
Dan Atchison, City Attorney
City of Salem, Oregon
Salem Police Incident Report: Thursday, January 29
- The call, from the daughter of the involved woman, was received thirty minutes after the incident had ended. There was no active scene for officers to respond to or intervene in.
- The complainant told dispatch her mother would not speak directly with anyone immediately after the incident. The dispatcher asked the caller whether her mother needed medical assistance. The daughter stated that she would be taking her mother to the hospital and did not request medical assistance or transport from the City.