After hours of emotional testimony describing ICE raids, the Salem City Council on Nov. 24 voted 7-2 to reaffirm Salem as an inclusive and sanctuary city — then voted 6-3 to take a first step toward declaring a state of emergency over federal immigration enforcement.
Both decisions on the sanctuary resolution reaffirming support for Oregon’s sanctuary law followed a packed hearing where residents described encounters they attributed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and pressed city leaders to turn statements of support into stronger local protections and practical help for affected families.
Mayor Julie Hoy opened the meeting by stressing that immigration enforcement in Salem is handled by federal agencies, not the city. She said Salem is committed to making services “safe, accessible and welcoming” and told Hispanic residents that the city’s goal is to protect honest, hardworking families. City Manager Krishna Namburi said Salem follows Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Law and does not use city staff or resources to enforce federal immigration laws.
Public comment stretched late into the night as speakers described loved ones detained, vehicles with out-of-state or missing plates, masked and heavily armed people breaking windows and pulling residents from cars, and children watching as guns were pointed at parents…