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Salem Woman Injured After ICE Agents Pull Her From Vehicle
Labor union says U.S. citizen suffered concussion, torn rotator cuff, and bruised ribs in incident.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:55pm
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A Salem, Oregon woman identified as Maria was pulled from her car by federal law enforcement officers, resulting in her suffering a concussion, torn rotator cuff, and bruised ribs. The incident occurred on January 29 as Maria was on her way to pay rent and buy a birthday cake for her grandson. The labor union SEIU 503, of which Maria is a member, has set up a GoFundMe to help cover her medical expenses and car repairs.
Why it matters
This incident highlights concerns about heightened immigration enforcement in the Mid-Valley region, which has prompted protests and emergency declarations in cities like Salem and Woodburn. The alleged use of force against a U.S. citizen has raised questions about civil liberties and the treatment of immigrant communities.
The details
According to SEIU 503, Maria was followed for several blocks by an unmarked vehicle with no license plates. The vehicle then boxed her in, and four people - one woman and three men wearing 'POLICE' vests - got out and demanded that Maria show them her 'papers.' When she did not respond, the agents broke her window and pulled her from the vehicle, throwing her to the ground. They then went through her purse before leaving the scene after finding her passport.
- The incident occurred on January 29, 2026 at 11 a.m. in Salem, Oregon.
- Maria reached out to SEIU 503 after the incident.
The players
Maria
A U.S. citizen and member of SEIU 503 labor union who was pulled from her car by federal law enforcement officers, resulting in her suffering a concussion, torn rotator cuff, and bruised ribs.
SEIU 503
The labor union that Maria is a member of, which has set up a GoFundMe to help cover her medical expenses and car repairs.
Johnny Earl
The president of SEIU Local 503, who condemned the incident and called for accountability and answers.
What they’re saying
“No one should be dragged from their car, injured, and terrorized for who they are or where they come from. Immigrant workers are the backbone of our communities and our economy, and they deserve dignity, safety, and respect, not violence and fear. Labor will not be silent while workers are harmed. We demand accountability and answers.”
— Johnny Earl, President of SEIU Local 503
What’s next
SEIU 503 has said Maria reached out to the Salem Police, but they 'did nothing' and told her she would need to contact the FBI since the incident involved federal law enforcement. The Statesman Journal has reached out to Salem Police for comment.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around heightened immigration enforcement in the Mid-Valley region, and the potential for civil liberties violations against both immigrant and U.S. citizen communities. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies when it comes to their interactions with vulnerable populations.
