SALEM, Ore. – A peaceful demonstration in Salem turned disruptive on Saturday afternoon, ultimately leading to the arrest of five individuals following a street takeover at a major intersection, according to the Salem Police Department.
The event began around 12 p.m. as a protest against national immigration enforcement efforts near the intersection of Northeast Lancaster Drive and Northeast Market Street. Initially, the demonstration remained peaceful as the crowd grew to an estimated 300 people by 2 p.m., despite causing some traffic congestion in the area.
However, by the evening, the situation began to escalate. Reports emerged of demonstrators throwing objects at vehicles, blocking traffic, and igniting fireworks. Around 8:30 p.m., the protest turned into a full street takeover, with approximately 50 individuals on foot occupying the intersection and several drivers engaging in reckless behavior, including spinning and drifting vehicles.
In response to the increasingly chaotic scene, the Salem Police Department closed the intersection to traffic and arrested five individuals for various offenses, including reckless driving and disorderly conduct. Police also seized an illegally possessed firearm during the operation.
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Abram Michael Delao, 19, of Salem
- Martin Andrew Gonzalez, 34, of Salem
- Joshua Alexander Perez, 18, of Salem
- Martin Arturo Galvez-Prado, 34, of Salem
- Angel Sierra Ramos, 30, of Salem
Police worked swiftly to disperse the crowd, and by 11 p.m., the intersection was reopened to traffic without any reported injuries.
Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack commented on the incident Sunday, highlighting the strain the situation placed on local law enforcement resources. “Saturday’s unruly protest, along with other emergency calls including an armed kidnapping, strained our limited patrol staffing resources,” Womack said. “Multiple Salem officers were called in from home, and partner agencies also responded to ensure safety and accountability.”
Chief Womack expressed pride in the response from his officers and regional partners, thanking them for their professionalism in handling the situation. “I am very proud of the work our officers accomplished under challenging and dangerous circumstances,” he said.
While the protest initially aimed to highlight concerns over immigration enforcement, the situation ultimately drew attention to the challenges law enforcement faces when managing large gatherings that evolve into unlawful activities. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
