As anger mounts over ICE actions across the U.S., many South students have demonstrated their frustration by attending citywide protests outside the Eugene Federal Building. However, the heightened levels of force being used by law enforcement at these events is causing some to worry for their personal safety.

Students protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions for a number of reasons, ranging from supporting human rights to helping immigrants they know in the community. Sage Champion, a senior at South, has attended multiple anti-ICE protests. 

“This is important to me because I have a lot of friends that are immigrants that are Hispanic,” Champion said. “I think that if we don’t show up for people right now, it’s only going to get worse.” 

On Jan. 30, activists called for a nationwide halt on all work, school, and business to bring disruption and attention to the agency’s immigration enforcement. The day of protest was held in solidarity with protesters in Minnesota in response to the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Protestors stood outside the Eugene Federal Building and engaged in strike activities throughout the day and into the night. According to KLCC, “some protesters had pushed up against the building, banging on doors and windows and spraying graffiti on the walls. At least one window had been damaged.”

The Eugene Police Department declared the protest a riot around 6 p.m. after the window was broken, but it remains unconfirmed whether this was the result of protestors or if federal agents themselves were the perpetrators. Shortly after, officers played a recording ordering protestors to disperse and warning them of the danger of tear gas exposure and/or arrest if they stayed. About an hour later, law enforcement began deploying tear gas, pepper balls, and flash bangs.

Some protestors reported at least nine people taken into the building by law enforcement. KLCC spoke to Anna Lardner, who was injured by officers while they detained her inside. She claimed the officers sat on her foot, hyperextending it, and left visible bruises on her face, ankle, and wrist. 

She told KLCC, “They know people are showing up to demonstrate, and they want to scare those people so they go home.” 

During multiple protests, law enforcement was located on the roof of the Eugene Federal Building attempting to dissuade protestors. According to KLCC, protestors shone green light lasers at them and shouted taunts.

Champion witnessed agents on the roof attempting to record her on at least two occasions. 

“They have been recording us, attempting to get facial recognition and shining flashlights down,” she stated. “The thing about them being positioned at the top of the building is that it distracts from what could be potentially happening on the ground. I try not to engage directly with any officers or with the building directly, but I do feel a sense of fear for other people who, you know, might be getting a little too close.”

Champion requested for people going to protests to be aware of personal protection and bring proper materials to protect themselves.

“There wasn’t much direct violence from any of the protesters, but there was a lot of verbal aggravation towards the agents. People attempt to obstruct property, and I do understand the reasoning behind people wanting to show how they really feel about the situation, but it doesn’t make it better for anybody else involved.”

Champion recommended that South students should not post pictures of any protests on social media. “Make it safer for yourself and think about other people,” she stated. “Think of how your actions could potentially affect the environment, and stay protected.”

Article by Alaya Drummond