FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New Federal Lawsuit Challenges Trump Admin’s Crackdown on ICE Protests as Unconstitutional

To Whom It May Concern:

Please see the important press release attached regarding a federal civil rights lawsuit filed today in Oregon challenging the Trump administration’s use of expedited regulations to suppress First Amendment-protected protests at ICE facilities.

Key Points:

• Two human rights activists, Chloe Longworth and Anna Lardner, filed suit today in U.S. District Court (District of Oregon, Eugene Division) against the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Kristi Noem, and other federal officials for violating protesters’ First Amendment rights through new federal regulations and enforcement actions targeting demonstrations at the Eugene ICE office.
• Challenges regulations that were fast-tracked from a January 2026 effective date to November 5, 2025, in response to nationwide protests against ICE operations. 
• Plaintiffs argue these regulations are unconstitutionally vague, grant federal agents authority to enforce restrictions beyond federal property onto public sidewalks, and are designed to chill constitutionally protected speech in traditional public forums.
• The case represents a broader national pattern of federal intimidation tactics against protesters exercising their rights on public property surrounding ICE and/or federal facilities.
• Plaintiffs are seeking both declaratory and injunctive relief.

*This lawsuit has significant implications for First Amendment protections nationwide as communities continue to respond to federal immigration enforcement actions. 

Full press release is attached/included below.

For interviews, additional information, or statements, please contact Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC) at 541.687.9180.

Thank you for your consideration of this story, please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Carrie Tully
Director of Fundraising & Engagement

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Civil Liberties Defense Center
1711 Willamette Street, Suite 301 #359
Eugene, Oregon 97401
Unceded Kalapuya Land
Office: 541.687.9180 
CLDC.ORG