A seven-year veteran of the Eugene Police Department resigned immediately after bodycam footage from January 30 went viral, capturing him expressing support for immigration enforcement and criticizing protesters. The officer, Martin Siller, made the remarks during a phone call while responding to anti-ICE demonstrations outside the old federal building in Eugene.
What the Footage Revealed
The bodycam video showed Siller voicing strong support for ICE operations during a phone conversation while on duty. He also expressed frustration with demonstrators who were protesting immigration enforcement activities. The footage, which remained unreleased for over three months, surfaced online over the weekend and quickly gained widespread attention across social media platforms. Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner publicly identified Siller shortly after the video went viral and condemned the statements captured on camera.
Department Response and Investigation
Chief Skinner held a press conference where he stated that Siller resigned before the department could begin a full internal review. The chief suggested the quick resignation indicated the department’s culture does not protect officers with such views. Skinner released additional bodycam clips from the same day and confirmed an independent investigation is examining whether other officers were aware of the conversation. A separate officer from Grantsville, Utah, who was connected to the phone call, now faces an internal investigation by his own department.
Officer Background and Aftermath
Siller served with the Eugene Police Department for seven years after completing a 20-year career with the West Valley City Police Department in Utah. His resignation took effect immediately following the video’s circulation. The January 30 incident occurred during protests and riots at the federal building in Eugene, where demonstrators had gathered to oppose immigration enforcement policies. The department continues to review whether departmental protocols were followed during the response to those demonstrations and whether any other personnel had knowledge of the remarks made during the phone conversation.
Oh, the horror of having a pro American thought. Dude, sue for violation of your 1st. Sick & tired that only dems are allowed to spew bs all day long! I happen to be a minority & condemn the Left’s call for violence.
So if your a public servent not at the top of the food ladder Police Chief internal review maybe the whole Dept should be held accountable for all violations.
Officers called to duty, away from safety, who are risking their lives to enforce our immigration laws should be thanked and celebrated. Any normal person when putting their life on the line .. when the opposition are in full attack mode would have a negative attitude toward that opposition putting them in danger. They ought to be allowed to express what they want to express. I hope this officer sues and wins. He is deserving.