Due to ongoing protests, veterans previously receiving care at the old Eugene Federal Building are now receiving services at the Veterans Affairs Health Care Center.
“Due to ongoing protest activity near the Eugene Federal Building, all VA services have been relocated to the Eugene VA Health Care Center effective Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026,” the VA Public Affairs office said in a statement to The Daily Emerald.
Anti-ICE protests have been occurring at theEugene Federal Building daily since January. Protests have escalated, with federal agents using tear gas and other crowd-dispersing chemicals at several protests.
Around 7 p.m. on Jan. 27, after a vigil held in honor of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis, Department of Homeland Security agents began deploying tear gas and flashbang grenades on an estimated 250 protesters. A similar incident occurred on Jan. 30, when the Eugene Police Department declared the protest to be an “active riot.”
A week before the “active riot,” veterans received word that they would no longer be able to receive in-person care at the old federal building due to protests. Appointments were held on video call only. Since Jan. 27, in-person appointments have resumed at the VAHCC.
“This step was taken to ensure the safety of veterans, staff and visitors while continuing to provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place — honoring veterans’ preference for face-to-face appointments, as well as virtual care options,” the VA Public Affairs statement read. “Veterans with scheduled appointments have been contacted directly regarding changes to their appointments.”
At present, it is unknown when services for veterans will resume at the old federal building. Daily protests are still ongoing.
