Protesters Attack ICE Vehicle, Agents Deploy Tear Gas in Oregon
Clashes erupt in Salem parking lot as anti-ICE demonstrators surround federal agents' vehicles, leading to a confrontation involving a baseball bat and tear gas.
A tense standoff occurred in Salem, Oregon, on Saturday when approximately 30 anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters surrounded federal agents' vehicles, leading to a confrontation that included an SUV being attacked with a baseball bat and agents deploying tear gas.
The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. near Lancaster Drive and Sunnyview Road. ICE agents reported that protesters were blocking their departure from a parking lot. Video footage captured one demonstrator swinging a baseball bat at a black federal vehicle, dislodging its side-view mirror as the SUV attempted to move.
Protesters were heard shouting expletives and demanding the agents leave the city. The situation escalated when ICE agents deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and clear a path for their vehicles. Subsequently, 911 calls reported individuals experiencing eye irritation and breathing difficulties, consistent with exposure to riot control agents.
First responders provided medical assistance at the scene, and detectives began collecting witness statements and evidence. Salem police confirmed officers were dispatched to the area after receiving reports of a masked individual using a bat on an SUV, and that agents were deploying tear gas upon their arrival.
Democratic Congresswoman Andrea Salinas of Oregon expressed concern over ICE's actions, questioning their use of force and accusing the agency of escalating tensions. Salinas alleged that ICE agents had followed and harassed U.S. citizens and driven recklessly, endangering other motorists. She stated, "It’s clear ICE is either not trained or has no desire to deescalate situations or operate safely."
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency's conduct has been a point of contention in various cities. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently described ICE as "rotten to its core" and called for the agency to leave the city following an incident where an agent shot a man during an enforcement operation.
Similar protests have occurred in other Oregon cities. Earlier this year, the mayor of Portland urged ICE agents to resign and demanded the agency leave the city after demonstrators were reportedly subjected to tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets during a protest. Images from past protests outside ICE facilities in Portland show federal officers confronting demonstrators, with some instances involving arrests and the use of chemical agents against crowds.