SALEM, Ore — Salem police are investigating after federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents reported being blocked in by vehicles near Lancaster Drive Northeast on Friday morning, an incident that ended after agents deployed tear gas, authorities said.
Police said officers were dispatched at about 9:30 a.m. to the area of 1970 Lancaster Drive NE after ICE agents reported that roughly 30 people had surrounded their vehicles and prevented them from leaving.
Before Salem officers arrived, the reporting party said ICE agents had deployed tear gas, freed their vehicles and left the area.
Additional 911 callers later reported symptoms consistent with tear gas exposure, including trouble breathing and eye irritation. Salem police and fire personnel responded to provide medical assistance and document the scene.
Detectives are now collecting witness statements and other evidence, police said. The matter will be referred to the Oregon Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for independent review.
Salem police said officers had no advance knowledge of ICE’s activity and did not coordinate with the agency. The department said its role was limited to responding to the disturbance, providing medical aid and gathering evidence for oversight agencies.