What they said – voices of Salem speak up on immigration

Over two nights, Salem city councilors listened to one citizen after another address immigration issues in the community. Here is a sampling of what they said.
Salem declares emergency over increased ICE activity, citing reports of unlawful arrests

Salem city councilors voted 6-3 Monday night to pass an emergency declaration over immigration enforcement that was proposed by Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, with Mayor Julie Hoy and Councilors Deanna Gwyn and Shane Matthews voting no.
New Marion County program supports youth in reducing violence, gang involvement

A new program at the Marion County Juvenile Department is working to intervene with teenagers and preteens involved in gangs before they commit more serious crimes. It’s run by a woman with two decades of experience in youth correctional facilities.
Nine Marion County inmates released, returned to prison due to state sentencing changes

A recent back-and-forth with sentencing guidelines led to the release and subsequent re-arrest of nine people with Marion County convictions. The sentencing changes stemmed from a summer Oregon Supreme Court ruling on defendants receiving credit for time served.
Salem man charged in separate arson, robbery incidents Monday

Ethan S. Thorington, 26, of Salem, is accused of intentionally setting a fire at a south Salem home Monday morning before assaulting and attempting to rob an employee at a business on Southeast Commercial Street.
City council moves toward declaring state of emergency over increased ICE arrests

More than 200 people packed into Monday’s city council meeting, with many offering emotional testimony about the impact of immigration arrests on their families, friends and peers. Salem city councilors split 6-3 on taking steps toward a declaration of emergency.
Family files $1 million excessive force suit against Salem police

A West Salem family is suing a Salem police officer and the city after an accidental 911 call during an argument between siblings led to a responding officer grabbing their mother by the throat, the lawsuit claims.
Salem police, federal agents arrest two Salem men with ties to gang-related gun sales

Two men from Salem were arrested last week for their involvement in the selling of drugs and firearms and are accused of being connected to a local street gang. Federal agents conducted several undercover purchases in Salem and Portland before arresting the men.
Judge orders Marion County to share parolee information with ICE

A federal judge on Monday ordered Marion County to comply with administrative subpoenas from federal immigration authorities issued over the summer, court records show. It’s one of two open legal cases involving immigration records in Marion County.
Motorcyclist dies after crash in NE Salem construction area

A Salem motorcyclist died Saturday night after driving through a street barricade and crashing into a construction vehicle on Northeast Hazelgreen Road. It’s the ninth fatal crash Salem police have responded to in 2025, according to a Monday statement.


