Chalk graffiti at federal building a snapshot of demonstrators’ discontent

The plaza outside the Eugene Federal Building has been a site of daily activism against federal immigration enforcement for months.

When heightened tensions between federal agents and demonstrators last week drew larger crowds, chants, songs, car honks and drums became a protest soundtrack echoing through downtown Eugene.

But demonstrators’ calls for unity and rebukes of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown weren’t just heard — they also came in the form of at least 50 chalk messages scrawled across the building’s concrete plaza and steps. 

Lookout Eugene-Springfield compiled a collection of the chalk messages. They offer a fleeting snapshot of how Eugene residents are reacting to federal immigration operations under President Donald Trump, and what they want to say to their own neighbors.

Simple chalk declarations ranged from “ICE OUT,” to “ABOLISH ICE,” to “F— ICE.” 

Others described federal immigration enforcement operations and agencies as Nazi-like: “F— this Nazi b——t” and “Need love not Nazis.”

Some messages came in the form of questions: “RIOT? WHAT F—–G RIOT?” one asked, appearing to reference the Eugene Police Department’s characterization of protests last Friday. A few inscriptions equated EPD with ICE.

“History is screaming, are you listening?” questioned one message. “Are u next?” asked another.

Demonstrators also wrote the names of people who have been killed by federal immigration agents, including Alex Pretti and Renee Good. 

One large drawing near the center of the plaza portrayed the face of Cuban migrant Geraldo Lunas Campos, with a pair of hands beneath his neck and the words “Choked to death by DHS.”

Lunas Campos died while being held in solitary confinement in a Texas immigration detention facility in January after guards reportedly held him down and squeezed until he was unconscious. His death was ruled a homicide. He was a 55-year-old father of four and a registered sex offender. 

Other chalk markings preached love and unconditional acceptance of immigrants. “Love your immigrant neighbors,” one message reads. Another: “No person is illegal.” 

“Empathy over empire,” reads one message. Another states: “Human rights are for all humankind.”

Some messages urged readers to stand up to power and remember their own rights. “It isn’t for the few to tell many what is true,” one reads, while another message states: “Fight for your rights.”

“Breaking families apart isn’t patriotism,” one marking reads. Another: “Only one world.”