Early on Thursday, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), became a focal point for demonstrations against the Gaza conflict, echoing protests at campuses nationwide.
Around 2:40 a.m., riot police arrived at UCLA, facing off against protesters equipped with makeshift shields and umbrellas. Despite resistance, the police managed to dismantle some barriers around the protester encampment. Prior to the police intervention, hundreds of protesters had gathered in the encampment, with additional groups dispersed nearby, separated by police lines. Several protesters were reported detained by UCLA's student newspaper, The Daily Bruin, while others fled.
At one point, the police briefly breached the encampment but withdrew when outnumbered by advancing protesters. Later, footage showed officers leading away students with their hands tied. The encampment itself was fortified with plywood barriers, and protesters wore hard hats, shining flashlights at police lines.
Recent days have seen a wave of arrests at various U.S. campuses as universities and police crack down on anti-Israel demonstrations. Protesters are urging universities to divest from companies doing business with Israel. Despite efforts to manage protests without impeding free speech, police actions have intensified, with arrests reported at Dartmouth College, University of Arizona, Tulane University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and several in New York City.
Amidst escalating tensions, clashes erupted Tuesday night at UCLA when counterprotesters dismantled barricades around the pro-Palestinian encampment, some thrown at demonstrators. Los Angeles Police Department assisted campus police, calming the situation without arrests.
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block denounced the unauthorized encampment, announcing an investigation into Tuesday night's events, warning of potential arrests, expulsions, and dismissals. As a precaution, UCLA shifted all classes to remote learning for Thursday and Friday, advising people to avoid campus.