A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration cannot enforce new noise restrictions near the Eugene Federal Building while a lawsuit moves forward.
In November, the administration fast-tracked rules banning “loud or unusual noise” around federal facilities nationwide. Two Eugene anti-ICE protesters filed suit soon after, arguing the policy violates free speech rights and unfairly targets demonstrators. The downtown Eugene building houses a local ICE field office and has seen frequent protests in recent months.
Since December, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken has temporarily blocked enforcement of the rules at the site. On Friday, she issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Department of Homeland Security from enforcing the restrictions there until the case is resolved.
During oral arguments, government attorneys said some employees felt intimidated by protesters and that demonstrations disrupted operations. Lawyers for the plaintiffs countered that the rules are overly broad and have already discouraged lawful protest.
Aiken emphasized that the area has historically served as a protest site.
“There has to be some reasonable measure for what is loudness, not just yelling in a microphone or a megaphone,” Aiken said. “I know there are measurable ways to look at this, as opposed to just an eye of the beholder—or ear of the beholder—view.”
Lauren Regan, an attorney representing the protesters, said she is confident in the case.
“We have excellent facts and law on our side,” Regan said. “And we believe that this regulation is patently unconstitutional on its face.”
In response to a request for comment, DHS provided a previous statement from Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. She argued that a content-neutral noise ban is constitutional and accused one protester of harassing a janitor.
Federal Government Plans ‘Safety Barrier’
Separately, federal officials say they are pursuing additional steps to protect employees at the building.
A spokesperson for the General Services Administration confirmed plans to build a “safety barrier” outside the facility following a Jan. 30 protest that authorities declared a riot.
“Building staff were forced to shelter in place for hours to protect themselves from harm,” the spokesperson said. “This immediate measure is necessary to ensure the continued safety and security of the building occupants and the facility itself.”
Officials have not released a timeline or design details for the barrier.
Marion Suitor Barnes of Eugene Public Works said the city has not yet received any permit applications that might be required for construction.
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