In response to increased federal immigration activity in Salem, city councilors declared a state of emergency on Monday, after dozens of community members described the threats federal agents pose to families, students and businesses.

The declaration directs city leaders to consider starting programs to protect the community “in the face of the harm and terror caused by (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) actions.”

Councilor Vanessa Nordyke proposed the declaration during a Nov. 24 meeting.

She acted after hours of passionate testimony urging the city to address the “reality of lawlessness” that has come to Salem at the hands of ICE activity in the community.

“The unnecessary and likely unlawful tactics being used by many federal immigration enforcement authorities have generate

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