Eugene Federal Building

A U.S. federal judge ordered the removal of a fence around an Oregon federal building within 24 hours, citing violations of First Amendment rights by blocking a public protest plaza. The fence, installed in April 2023, was intended as a temporary measure to protect the building and employees following protests. The General Services Administration argued the fence was necessary for safety and repairs but faced judicial pushback over limited access to the plaza.

A federal judge ordered the removal of a fence around an Oregon federal building, siding with free speech activists who claimed it blocked a public plaza used for protests. The government had installed the fence for security after protests caused damage, but the judge ruled it violated First Amendment rights.