On Thursday, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested 209 people during an operation to dismantle a pro-Palestinian camp set up at the University of California (UCLA) in protest against Israeli government policies. Among those arrested were both students and university staff, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The arrest of 135 was formalized in the parking lot of the Los Angeles Central Court, while other detainees were transported by buses to the Metropolitan Detention Center of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The police department released a statement indicating that those detained have been given food, water, and access to public services. They have also been offered transportation services. Most have been cited and released for illegal assembly and will have to appear in court at a later date. A total of 250 police officers with heavy riot gear participated in the operations, which began at dawn with several flares being launched on protesters who responded with fire extinguishers against officers.
After the confrontation and eviction of the camp, remnants of tents, garbage and graffiti by protesters on nearby buildings remain as evidence. Excavators were used to remove remains of camp. The spokesperson for California Highway Patrol Alejandro Rubio stated that there is approximately one police officer for each protester who is in the camp. Although he has ruled out any injuries at this time, Rubio mentioned that protesters threw fire extinguishers and water bottles at police officers during their operation.
UCLA released a notice two days ago warning those still in the camp that they may be committing a crime and risked disciplinary measures including expulsion from school. The incidents began when UCLA declared camping illegal on Tuesday night when pro-Israel protesters attacked activists causing hours for intervention by police to stop violence