Police officers conducted a raid on a complex at the University of California, Berkeley, on Thursday night, arresting at least 15 pro-Palestinian protesters. This action followed the establishment of a new encampment at the Anna Head complex, a site damaged by fire near People’s Park, which occurred a day after demonstrators dismantled another camp on campus. The dismantling had come after a tentative agreement with university officials.
The raid commenced around 6:30 p.m., involving officers from the California Highway Patrol, as well as local police and sheriff’s departments, who used bullhorns to order protesters to disperse within 30 minutes. By 7:30 p.m., 15 individuals had been taken into custody, with the number expected to increase. University spokesperson Dan Mogulof indicated uncertainty regarding the number of UC Berkeley students among the detained.
Earlier in the week, protesters had dismantled a larger encampment at Sproul Plaza following negotiations with Chancellor Carol Christ. Christ had committed to initiating discussions on divestment from certain companies and declared her intention to support efforts for an immediate and permanent cease-fire by month’s end. However, she noted that decisions on divestment from companies operating in or with Israel exceeded her authority.