A large metal fence has been set up around the U.S. Capitol building ahead of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech, in advance of “potential demonstrations.”

The speech, which will be delivered on Thursday evening, will begin a few hours after a scheduled protest in support of Palestine at 6 p.m. The demonstration is being organized by People Demand and the Climate Justice Alliance, which described “Free Palestine” as an issue relating to climate justice.

“We are aware of some potential demonstrations in the area,” U.S. Capitol Police told the Washington Examiner in a statement. “Physical security is part of a comprehensive security plan with our federal and local law enforcement partners. Together it is our job to maximize the safety of all of the attendees and to ensure the event goes as smoothly as possible.”

When asked if the fence was being set up to keep out any specific protest organizations, the Capitol police said it does not help groups “by publicizing names/causes.”

Many Republicans were quick to criticize the fence when the Biden administration is not securing the border between the United States and Mexico.

“Remember this when @POTUS talks about the border tonight,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) wrote on X. “Biden doesn’t hesitate to put a barrier up for his speech in Washington but refuses to build a wall and secure the southern border.”

The Capitol’s fence also caught the attention of Fox News commentator Jesse Watters, who claimed that Biden thinks “he needs protection from you” while not protecting the southern border. Watters also claimed the fence is meant as “a sinister symbol to stigmatize” the idea that half of the country is “dangerous.”

Link Lauren, a senior adviser to independent 2024 presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr., also knocked the fence on social media, joking if the same could be done along the southern border.

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This year’s State of the Union speech will be the first one held in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas against Israel, which prompted numerous protests across the U.S. in support of either Palestinians or Israel. In December, protesters demanding a ceasefire in Gaza were arrested by Capitol Police after they took over the Capitol rotunda.

During the speech, which will begin at 9 p.m. EST, former President Donald Trump has said he will “correct” Biden with live “play by play.” It comes as Trump will likely be the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nominee, setting the stage for a rematch between him and Biden.