FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 19, 2026
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | [email protected]

SALEM, Ore. - On January 19, 2026, the Salem Police Department Mobile Response Team (MRT), in coordination with the Oregon State Police (OSP), were assigned to monitor an immigration rally at the Oregon State Capitol. The event, which took place from 11:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m., was attended by approximately 400 people. During the event, approximately 20 counter-protestors showed up to the event and tensions rose between the two groups.

Officers responded to a disturbance between the opposing groups, during which a man deployed pepper spray on another individual. The man, identified as Joshua Meshell, 38, of Salem, was arrested by Salem Police Officers for Harassment and Unlawful Use of Pepper Spray and was transported to the Marion County Jail by Oregon State Police.

Throughout the event, Salem Police and OSP responded to multiple disturbances between opposing groups.

Due to rising tensions and continuous confrontations between the groups, the Incident Commander requested additional police resources. Oregon State Police issued trespass notices to some participants from each opposing group. Those participants voluntarily complied and left the area.

All actions taken during the event were intended to maintain public safety while respecting lawful expression and peaceful assembly. Where available, video evidence and witness statements were used to corroborate allegations and assisted in our enforcement decisions.

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