Demonstration Outside Federal Building
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Tensions rose in Eugene on Tuesday evening during a protest staged outside the Federal Building at 211 East 7th Avenue, home to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office. The event, promoted under the banner “Portland in Solidarity with Eugene,” drew dozens of demonstrators from across the region.
Protesters first began gathering in the afternoon, voicing opposition to federal immigration policies and showing solidarity with activists in Portland. According to Eugene Police, the Federal Building was vacated around noon and officially closed by 5 p.m., meaning no ICE operations were underway at the site during the demonstration.
Altercation Reported Before Protest Escalated
Earlier in the afternoon, officers responded to reports of an altercation near East 6th Avenue and High Street at approximately 4:30 p.m. When police arrived, the individuals involved had already dispersed. One person connected to the incident was later located several blocks away, though details about that encounter remain limited.
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By sunset, the demonstration had grown more intense. Roughly 60 people, many dressed in “Black Bloc-style” clothing, assembled in front of the Federal Building. Witnesses reported that demonstrators wore dark clothing, helmets, masks, gas masks, and protective eyewear. Some were seen throwing objects at Federal Protective Service agents, while others defaced property with graffiti.
Police Statement and Sanctuary Laws
Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner released a statement emphasizing the department’s commitment to Oregon’s sanctuary laws, which prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
“Eugene Police Department will continue to strictly adhere to sanctuary laws and not assist or facilitate immigration enforcement,” Skinner said. “We will, however, continue to monitor protest and demonstration activity in our community and take appropriate action if criminal behavior occurs.”
Skinner also expressed concern about individuals traveling from outside Eugene to participate in the protest. “I’m deeply concerned when people travel from outside our community to participate in these protests,” he added, highlighting the potential for heightened tensions when demonstrators converge from different areas.
Arrests and Charges
Two arrests were made in connection with the protest. A 28-year-old man from Portland was taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor harassment following a reported altercation. Separately, a 19-year-old Eugene resident was arrested after police observed him spray-painting graffiti during the demonstration.
Both men face misdemeanor charges, though officials have not released details on whether additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Federal Response Awaited
Federal Protective Service agents were present at the protest, responding to incidents of property damage and disorderly conduct. However, neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an official comment regarding the demonstration or the arrests. KOIN has reached out to DHS for a statement and will update the story if a response is provided.
Ongoing Debate Around Protests
The Eugene demonstration underscores ongoing tensions between local activists, federal authorities, and law enforcement agencies. Supporters of the protest argue that gatherings like “Portland in Solidarity with Eugene” highlight community opposition to ICE activities and federal immigration policies. Critics, however, point to the property damage and confrontations as examples of escalating tactics that can overshadow the core message of such protests.
As Eugene police continue monitoring protest activity, city officials remain caught between respecting the right to assemble and addressing criminal behavior that emerges during demonstrations.
Looking Ahead
While the protest resulted in only two arrests, officials expressed concern that future demonstrations could draw larger crowds and potentially lead to more confrontations. With immigration enforcement remaining a divisive issue nationally and locally, the balance between free expression, community safety, and federal authority is likely to remain a flashpoint in Eugene and across Oregon.
