Peaceful Protest at TRCI:

On May 9th and 10th, 2025, members of the Justice for Eddie Dungan group organized a peaceful protest outside Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) to bring attention to serious concerns regarding the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC), particularly the ongoing lack of adequate medical care for adults in custody (AICs).

Day One: Visibility and Vigilance

Upon our arrival on May 9th, a DOC staff member emerged from the facility and stood in the grassy area near the TRCI entrance sign. The individual appeared to be photographing or filming our group as we stood peacefully holding signs and posters. He quickly returned inside the administration building. To increase our visibility—particularly to AICs in the minimum-security yard—we repositioned slightly down the road while remaining on public property. 

AICs on the minimum yard waving at us. After this they were put on lockdown. DOC best practice. 

As we stood in solidarity, several staff members exited the building and silently observed us from a distance. Their posture and body language suggested disapproval or confusion about our presence, but we remained calm and well within our rights.Shortly after, DOC staff began parking vehicles directly across from us in what appeared to be a coordinated effort to monitor or perhaps intimidate our group. That tactic was ineffective. On two occasions, we approached the parked vehicles to initiate respectful conversations. One staff member accepted a flyer and offered a kind reminder to stay hydrated before returning to prison property. The other drove away quickly as we neared his vehicle—highlighting the contrast between our peaceful engagement and their evasiveness.

_{We believe that the guy standing behind the white car is the new Superintendent, and the others are just TRCI Staff.}

Throughout the day, many community members showed support. Dozens of drivers honked, waved, or gave thumbs-up gestures. Not all reactions were positive—a passing driver shouted, “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time”—but this only underscored the importance of public education. We are not protesting the existence of incarceration; we are demanding humane treatment, particularly access to proper medical care, as guaranteed under the Eighth Amendment.

Day Two: Direct Conversations and Continued Presence

On the second day, May 10th, we returned to stand near the TRCI sign. This time, we had the opportunity to speak with several visitors entering the facility. Many took informational flyers and expressed gratitude for our presence. One woman shared that her son, currently incarcerated, is struggling to manage his diabetes due to the inadequate food and medical options provided by DOC. She said she was beginning to research the rights of AICs and their access to healthcare.This interaction highlights an often-overlooked issue: the food provided by DOC is frequently unhealthy, high in carbohydrates, and, in some cases, described as unfit for human consumption. For those with medical conditions like diabetes, these meals can make daily life inside even more difficult. While some AICs rely on canteen purchases to supplement their diets, that option is often out of reach due to high costs—leaving many with no choice but to eat what is provided, regardless of the health consequences.Later that day, we moved closer to the highway to increase visibility to passing traffic before returning to the TRCI sign area to continue distributing flyers and engaging with visitors. During this time, one correctional officer drove by repeatedly, recording us with his phone. He would circle around to other parts of the facility and pass us again and again. Though clearly intended as an intimidation tactic, this effort did not deter our group or diminish our resolve.

A Message to ODOC: We’re Here, and We’re Not Going Anywhere

In our view, the protest was a success. We made our presence known, engaged with the public and AIC family members, and demonstrated to TRCI and ODOC staff that we will not be silenced. We are committed to using our voices for those who cannot speak for themselves.If you would like to get involved, we welcome your support. The more people who stand with us, the stronger our message becomes. Together, we can demand accountability, transparency, and basic human rights for every adult in custody.