US Citizen Recounts 'Trauma' of Mistaken ICE Encounter

Salem woman suffered injuries after being pulled from her car by federal agents who later discovered she was a citizen.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A U.S. citizen in Salem, Oregon recounted the 'traumatic' experience of being pulled over, pulled from her car, and roughed up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, despite being a citizen. The woman, identified only as Maria, suffered a concussion, torn rotator cuff, and bruised ribs during the encounter on January 29th. She says the incident has left her fearful to go out and will haunt her for a long time.

Why it matters

This incident highlights concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics used by federal agents, even against U.S. citizens. It raises questions about the training and oversight of ICE agents, as well as the potential for civil rights violations during these types of encounters.

The details

Maria, a U.S. citizen, was on her way to the bank and to buy a cake for her grandson's birthday when she noticed an unmarked SUV following her. The SUV then boxed her in and federal agents aggressively pulled her from her car, throwing her to the ground. After searching her car and purse, the agents discovered her U.S. passport but still left without calling for medical assistance, despite the injuries she sustained.

  • On January 29th, 2026, Maria was pulled over and assaulted by ICE agents in Salem, Oregon.
  • After the incident, Maria was taken to the hospital emergency room.

The players

Maria

A U.S. citizen living in Salem, Oregon who was the victim of an aggressive encounter with ICE agents despite being a citizen.

SEIU Local 503

The union representing health care workers, home care givers and some state workers, which previously reported on the injuries Maria sustained during the ICE encounter.

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas

A U.S. Representative who joined a news conference to discuss legislation aimed at making the federal government civilly liable for federal agents' violations of a person's constitutional rights.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley

A U.S. Senator who joined a news conference to discuss legislation aimed at making the federal government civilly liable for federal agents' violations of a person's constitutional rights.

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What they’re saying

“I was frozen in fear and too frightened to respond when these agents started banging on my window, 'Papers, Papers,'”

— Maria

“They bashed in my car window like you've probably seen all over social media where they do this to people and pulled me out. Not gently, not with care, but aggressively, as if I was wanted for a terrible crime.”

— Maria

“Before they drove away, one of the agents, a man, said with a smirk, 'Don't forget to renew your passport.'”

— Maria

What’s next

The judge in Maria's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the federal agents involved to be held civilly liable for the constitutional rights violations she experienced.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability of federal immigration enforcement agencies like ICE, to ensure their tactics do not violate the civil rights of U.S. citizens or legal residents, even if they are mistakenly targeted.