Salem, OR – Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack recently issued a public statement to reassure residents that his department will not enforce immigration laws, even as the Trump administration intensifies efforts for mass deportations. Womack’s statement, which was also translated into Spanish, emphasized that the Salem Police Department will continue its longstanding policy of not inquiring about individuals’ immigration status and will deny requests for cooperation from federal immigration authorities.
The chief’s message comes in response to increasing fears among Salem’s immigrant population, who are concerned about the potential for heightened immigration enforcement and deportations. The Trump administration’s promise to carry out “the largest massive deportation operation in history” has added to the anxiety felt by many within the community, as federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have ramped up raids across the country.
Womack’s public statement sought to ease the growing uncertainty, assuring residents that the Salem Police Department remains committed to protecting everyone in the community, regardless of immigration status. “If you are a crime victim or witness, you can and should come forward without fear,” Womack said, underscoring the importance of trust between law enforcement and the public.
The chief’s comments are consistent with Oregon’s “sanctuary” laws, which prohibit local and state law enforcement agencies from assisting in federal immigration enforcement, unless compelled by a court order. Oregon was the first state to enact such laws in 1987, and the Sanctuary Promise Act of 2021 further strengthened protections for immigrants.
Womack explained that the Salem Police Department has not received any requests for assistance from federal immigration authorities. Should such a request arise, the department would deny it and properly document and report it to the state, in compliance with Oregon law.
Local organizations serving immigrant families have welcomed Womack’s statement. Reyna Lopez, executive director of Oregon’s farmworker union PCUN, praised the Salem Police Department for reaffirming its commitment to community safety. “Trust is the foundation of good policing,” Lopez said in an interview. “If we aren’t able to make sure our communities are reporting crimes, that’s really dangerous for everybody.”
Levi Herrera-Lopez, executive director of Mano a Mano, a nonprofit that serves immigrant and Latino families in Salem, also expressed relief at the chief’s message. He noted that although rumors about ICE actions have circulated in the community, the enforcement actions in Oregon have been limited to targeted arrests, not widespread raids. “We’re trying to reassure people of what is true right now rather than the noise that’s out there,” Herrera-Lopez said.
Under Salem police policy, officers are generally not required to notify federal immigration officials when booking individuals into jail. The department encourages individuals to report any perceived violations of the Sanctuary Promise Act to the state Department of Justice, which provides resources in both English and Spanish.
Womack’s statement also urged the public to hold law enforcement accountable if any department employee were to violate the city’s sanctuary policies. “Let’s not let this or any other issue jeopardize the trusting relationships we’ve worked so hard to build together,” Womack said. “Rather, let’s turn this into an opportunity to increase shared understanding and trust in support of a safer community for everyone.”
As the country grapples with rising tensions over immigration enforcement, Salem’s stance serves as a reminder of the importance of local law enforcement policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
