ICE Agents Tear-Gas 30 Protesters in Salem

Federal immigration agents deployed tear gas after about 30 people surrounded and blocked their vehicles near Lancaster Drive Northeast and Sunnyview Road in northeast Salem around 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2026, Salem police said. Agents freed the vehicles and left before officers arrived. Police and fire treated people for eye irritation and difficulty breathing after 911 calls. Police are investigating and will refer findings to the Oregon Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Officer Mark Jantz said officers had no prior knowledge of ICE activity, did not coordinate with the agency, and respond to such disturbances solely to de-escalate. U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas described the operation as "reckless" and said it "endangered innocent people." She alleged agents "deployed pepper spray, pepper balls and smoke canisters against the elderly and children," followed and harassed U.S. citizens, drove recklessly, shut down 99E and nearly caused several accidents. "I'm deeply concerned about their use of force and their impulse to escalate the situation against Oregonians," she said. A DHS spokesperson did not respond Saturday. What ICE was doing in the area and whether anyone was detained remain unclear. KATU's body text called it Friday morning; its headline and other outlets say Saturday.