More than 2,100 individuals have been detained by law enforcement during pro-Palestinian demonstrations at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks. These protests have occasionally involved the use of riot gear, tactical vehicles, and flash-bang devices to disperse tent encampments and occupy buildings. In one incident, a police officer discharged a firearm inside a Columbia University administration building while clearing out protesters who had camped inside. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the District Attorney’s office is conducting a review of the incident.

The crackdown at Columbia resulted in over 100 arrests, a fraction of the total arrests made during protests at 40 different colleges and universities across the country since April 18th, according to an Associated Press tally. At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), officers detained at least 200 demonstrators after they defied orders to disperse, leading to clashes and the dismantling of encampments.

Similar protests calling for universities to sever ties with Israel or companies allegedly supporting the conflict in Gaza have emerged at campuses nationwide. These demonstrations, some televised internationally, have drawn accusations of antisemitism from Israel, while organizers maintain they are peaceful expressions of solidarity with Palestinians.

President Joe Biden defended the right to peaceful protest but criticized recent disorder. The protests initially began at Columbia University on April 17th, with students demanding an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

The confrontations at Columbia and UCLA escalated after initial police actions failed to disperse protesters. At UCLA, tensions flared after clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups, leading to injuries and a delayed police response. Eventually, law enforcement dismantled the encampments, leading to hundreds of arrests.

Similar protests at other universities have resulted in police interventions and arrests, while some institutions have reached compromises with protesters to avoid disruptions to events like commencements. However, concerns remain about the safety and security of students involved in such demonstrations.

Also read: US students protest Biden’s stance on Gaza conflict