On Thursday, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested 209 people during operations 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 have stated that those arrested 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 device made up of about 250 police officers with heavy riot gear participated in the operations. The police assault began at dawn with the launching of several flares on the protesters, who responded by using fire extinguishers against the officers. After a pitched battle and eviction of the camp, a trail of remains and garbage as well as numerous graffiti by protesters on nearby buildings have been left behind. Excavators have been used to remove some of the remains from the camp site.
California Highway Patrol spokesman Alejandro Rubio has indicated that there is approximately one police officer for each protester who is in the camp. Although he has ruled out any injuries for now, Rubio has stated that protesters threw fire extinguishers and water bottles at police officers during their arrests. UCLA released a notice earlier stating that they were intervening due to illegal activities taking place within their campus grounds and warned students that they risked disciplinary measures including expulsion if they remained on campus after this point.