Tensions continue to rise at American universities: new arrests at pro-Palestinian protests

On Wednesday evening (local time), the number of arrested students and activists, according to the AP news agency, had already reached more than 1,600, spread across 30 campuses across the country, since the protests began about two weeks ago. Many camp in tents on their campuses, others occupy buildings. Campaigners are demanding, among other things, that their universities cut ties with Israel and are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

At the University of Wisconsin in Madison, more than 30 people were arrested Wednesday morning when clashes broke out with police who tore down the tents of pro-Palestinian activists and tried to drive them out. Four officers were injured, including a state trooper who was hit in the head with a skateboard. Ultimately, four demonstrators were charged with violence against security forces.

In Dallas, 17 demonstrators were arrested at the University of Texas on Wednesday afternoon, after police arrived on the scene at the request of management. A camp was dismantled, although about a hundred demonstrators continued the protest at another location on campus.

Several people were arrested Wednesday evening during a pro-Palestinian protest at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, according to local media. The demonstrators are said to consist of both students and local residents.

In New York City, a number of activists were arrested at Fordham University on Wednesday evening. A tent camp was also broken up there. The university had sent the police to the scene and asked security forces to remain in place for three weeks to maintain order and ensure that the camps are not set up again. Protests were held at four locations in the city on Wednesday.

By Tuesday evening, officers in New York City had arrested about 280 activists at Columbia University and City College of New York. Police and city sources stated that “external agitators” had infiltrated the student protest.

In LA, California, police responded en masse to UCLA on Wednesday evening. On Tuesday evening, pro-Palestinian activists there were attacked by counter-protesters. Then came criticism that the security services had not intervened. No one was arrested. Police are said to be planning to break up the camp of hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators on Wednesday. The students were told via loudspeakers that they must leave or risk being arrested. Most stayed on site.