Eugene Protests Turn Chaotic
Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Eugene, Oregon, escalated into violent riots on Friday night, leading President Donald Trump to promise heightened protection for federal properties nationwide.
The demonstration, part of a nationwide ‘National Shutdown’ initiative calling for ICE to withdraw from cities, began peacefully around noon outside a federal building approximately 110 miles south of Portland. Demonstrators displayed signs criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
As evening approached, federal officers intermittently used tear gas and irritants to disperse the crowd. By 9 p.m., the Eugene Police Department classified the event as a riot after some participants breached the building, which houses IRS offices and other agencies.
Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner noted that limited federal agents were on site, requiring local officers to intervene and prevent further damage. Tear gas deployment around 10:15 p.m. in the courtyard prompted most protesters to leave the area. No arrests were reported by Eugene police.
Trump’s Stern Warning
On Saturday afternoon, President Trump described the Eugene protesters as ‘highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists’ and directed ICE and Border Patrol to respond with significant force to safeguard federal assets.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated: ‘Last night in Eugene, Oregon, these criminals broke into a Federal Building, and did great damage, also scaring and harassing the hardworking employees. Local Police did nothing in order to stop it. We will not let that happen anymore!’
He continued: ‘There will be no spitting in the faces of our Officers, there will be no punching or kicking the headlights of our cars, and there will be no rock or brick throwing at our vehicles, or at our Patriot Warriors. If there is, those people will suffer an equal, or more, consequence.’
Trump also instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to withhold assistance to ‘poorly run Democrat Cities’ facing unrest unless requested explicitly. He added: ‘Therefore, to all complaining Local Governments, Governors, and Mayors, let us know when you are ready, and we will be there – But, before we do so, you must use the word, “PLEASE.”‘
Similar Unrest in Los Angeles
Comparable demonstrations occurred in Los Angeles on Friday, where protesters approached a federal prison in downtown, confronting police lined up with shields. Officers responded with pepper balls and tear gas after the crowd grew aggressive.
One scene captured a protester striking an officer’s shield with a skateboard, while another showed non-lethal rounds fired to scatter the group. The Los Angeles Police Department issued a dispersal order near Union Station just before 9 p.m., giving 10 minutes to comply.
Upon advancing, officers encountered bottles and rocks thrown at them, according to LAPD updates. The department declared a tactical alert after federal personnel were targeted with debris.
As the situation intensified, LAPD arrested individuals described as ‘violent agitators’ engaged in fights with officers, including one accused of using a slingshot to fire metal objects. Mayor Karen Bass confirmed five initial arrests, later updated to eight: six for failure to disperse, one for assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, and one for curfew violation.
During a Friday press conference, Bass emphasized the need for peaceful action, stating: ‘I think the protests are extremely important, but it is equally important for these protests to be peaceful, for vandalism not to take place.’ She added that violence plays into the administration’s narrative.
Broader National Context
These events follow a surge in protest activity nationwide, triggered by the fatal shooting of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents earlier this month. Thousands marched in Minneapolis on Friday, chanting ‘Whose streets? Our streets!’
In New York City, demonstrations gathered at Foley Square, site of several federal buildings, reflecting widespread opposition to immigration enforcement tactics.
