Salem Residents Advised on Rights When Interacting with ICE

City forum details how to exercise constitutional protections against searches, seizures, and self-incrimination.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:15am

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The city of Salem's Human Rights Commission, in collaboration with the Oregon Law Center, hosted a forum to educate residents on their rights when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The forum covered topics such as the Fourth Amendment's protections against warrantless searches, the Fifth Amendment's right to remain silent, and the proper way to document any ICE activity. Experts advised residents to carry valid U.S. identification, refuse to consent to searches, and remain silent except to communicate necessary information like medical conditions or the need to speak to a lawyer.

Why it matters

The forum was organized in response to growing concerns in the Salem community about increased federal immigration enforcement. It comes after an incident where a U.S. citizen was allegedly injured by federal agents after being pulled from her car. The city of Salem has declared a state of emergency over the impacts of ICE actions, and this forum is one of the steps taken to protect the community and educate residents on their rights.

The details

The forum, moderated by Joaquín Lara Midkiff of the Salem Human Rights Commission, featured presentations by Valentin Sanchez, a senior paralegal with the Oregon Law Center's Farmworker Program, and Rebeca Lopez-Franco, the program's supervising attorney. They advised residents on how to exercise their Fourth Amendment rights against warrantless searches, their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and their right to record any ICE activity. Residents were also told to carry valid U.S. identification and not to open their doors to ICE agents without a warrant signed by a judge.

  • The forum was published on YouTube on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • It comes after an incident on January 29, 2026, where a U.S. citizen was allegedly injured by federal agents in Salem.
  • The Salem City Council declared a state of emergency over increased federal immigration enforcement on December 1, 2025.

The players

Joaquín Lara Midkiff

The chair of the Salem Human Rights Commission, who moderated the forum.

Valentin Sanchez

A senior paralegal with the Oregon Law Center's Farmworker Program, who presented at the forum.

Rebeca Lopez-Franco

The supervising attorney of the Oregon Law Center's Farmworker Program, who presented at the forum.

Nicole Miller

A spokeswoman for the city of Salem.

Service Employees International Union Local 503

A union that alleged a Salem woman who is a U.S. citizen was injured after being pulled from her car by federal agents.

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What they’re saying

“The purpose of this training is to explain the rights everyone has in Oregon when interacting with federal law enforcement officers or ICE agents. These civil rights are provided by the United States Constitution and these rights apply to all Oregonians and people in the United States regardless of their immigration status.”

— Rebeca Lopez-Franco, Supervising Attorney, Oregon Law Center Farmworker Program

“You only need to show immigration documents if you have them and are asked to do so by ICE. U.S. citizens in Oregon are not required to carry proof of citizenship. We do know that the reality is that many people are choosing to do so anyway.”

— Rebeca Lopez-Franco, Supervising Attorney, Oregon Law Center Farmworker Program

“When you are in your home, you have the most rights. Avoid opening the door. Do not engage with agents. Have a conversation with your family, including children, about not opening the door.”

— Rebeca Lopez-Franco, Supervising Attorney, Oregon Law Center Farmworker Program

What’s next

The city of Salem plans to release a Spanish version of the forum video on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This forum highlights the importance of educating residents on their constitutional rights when interacting with federal immigration enforcement, especially in communities like Salem that have seen increased ICE activity. By knowing their rights, residents can better protect themselves and their families, while also holding authorities accountable for any violations of civil liberties.