FILE - A federal agent wears an Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge in New York, June 10, 2025.
Yuki Iwamura / AP
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement Monday detailing what they said happened over the weekend during an incident in which federal agents used tear gas on protesters in Salem.
On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Salem Police Department said it received reports of a large group of people blocking Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicles near the intersection of Lancaster Drive and Sunnyview Road. Police said they also received reports that federal agents had used tear gas to clear the crowd. Following the incident, several 911 calls were made from people who reported eye irritation and trouble breathing.
According to DHS, federal agents were surrounded by “anti-ICE agitators” on Saturday morning. DHS said protestors on foot and in vehicles blocked federal agents from leaving the area.
“These rioters struck government vehicles with baseball bats and rocks, threatening harm to our officers and the public while causing significant damage,” said DHS in a statement to OPB. “Officers relied on their training to control the situation with professionalism and integrity.”
In their statement, DHS said violence against their agents or any law enforcement official will not be tolerated.
“Our officers carry out their Congressionally mandated duties in service to public safety and the rule of law. Any bystander or individual who assaults, obstructs, or violently attacks officers will be subject to arrest and prosecution permitted by law.”
The agency also said its officers are trained in de-escalation tactics and will use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve dangerous situations.
Salem police said it had no prior knowledge of ICE’s activity and does not coordinate with ICE operations. The incident remains under investigation.
