A wave of student demonstrations has been spreading across the United States since last week, with students calling on universities to cut all ties with the Israeli government in response to the attacks in the Gaza Strip. Numerous students from public and private universities have been arrested for participating in these protests.
On Tuesday night, New York police entered Hamilton Hall, a Columbia building with symbolic value for protests, which had been occupied by students. More than 200 protesters were arrested at Columbia and City College of New York. Similar police actions also took place at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Texas.
Columbia has become the epicenter of university protests in the US against the war in Gaza. New York Mayor Eric Adams stated that the occupation of Hamilton Hall was led by individuals not enrolled in the university, implying the involvement of external agitators. Politicians from both parties have condemned the protests, with the Biden administration labeling some of the students’ slogans and tactics as anti-Semitic and violent.
At least 34 students from the University of Wisconsin were detained during clashes with police. Similar clashes occurred at UCLA, where police were mobilized due to violent confrontations between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protesters. Students at the University of Texas were also arrested during an occupation protest.
Former President Donald Trump praised the New York police’s actions against the protesters at Columbia University, while Governor Greg Abbott emphasized that camps will not be allowed at educational institutions. The escalation of these protests highlights deep divisions and tensions surrounding
