SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- The Gaza Solidarity encampment on the UC San Diego campus was declared an unlawful assembly by local law enforcement early Monday morning, and officers proceeded to take down tents and arrest numerous protesters.
An increase in police presence began just after 5:45 a.m., with officers announcing on a loudspeaker that encampment participants could potentially be subject to tear gas and arrest if they did not leave the camp in a peaceful manner.
At around 6 a.m., officers from different agencies entered the encampment on Library Walk to remove tents. As officers dismantled the camp site, most of the protesters stood their ground and refused to leave.
Over the next 45 minutes, a number of protesters were seen being taken away in handcuffs by officers.
According to UC San Diego officials, campus police reported 64 people were arrested Monday morning. Of the arrestees, the school said 40 were students and 24 "were unaffiliated or their status is unknown at this time."
Officials noted the students that were arrested "have been or will be placed under immediate interim suspension."
The camp made up of pro-Palestine supporters has been on the campus for at least six days.
UC San Diego officials said of the removal of the encampment: “At approximately 6 a.m. today, University of California Police, CHP and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department successfully and peacefully dismantled an illegal encampment on the UC San Diego campus. The decision to vacate the site was based on danger arising from a prolonged event in terms of health, fire, safety and security. One minor injury was reported. No official number of arrests is available at this time. The campus is still an active police operation.”
Officials also stated: "UC San Diego's West Campus operations are suspended from North Torrey Pines Road to Interstate 5 due to police activity. Avoid the area. Non-essential employees should move to remote operations; essential employees should report to work as usual. Instruction is moving to remote operation. All West Campus facilities are closed. Housing and Dining remains open. All events scheduled for today on West Campus should be canceled, rescheduled or moved to remote operation. UC San Diego Health remains fully operational."
Officials said any updates will be posted at https://www.ucsd.edu/about/emergency.html.
Robert E. Continetti, the school's Senior Associate Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, issued this statement:
"In accordance with UC San Diego’s mission, values, and our Principles of Community, and out of an abundance of caution in light of current circumstances, all campus instruction will be moved to a remote modality effective immediately.
The health and safety of all members of the Triton community is of paramount importance and our focus remains squarely on maintaining a safe campus environment.
Our goal is to deliver the best educational experience possible at all times. Observing our Principles of Community when on campus or in the virtual classroom environment will help us maintain a positive and vibrant learning community. We continue to implore all campus community members to treat each other with dignity and respect.
We will continue to communicate with the campus community as the situation and decisions regarding course modality change. Thank you for continuing to monitor your email for updates."
UCSD Hillel, a campus Jewish organization, issued this response regarding Monday's action:
"Earlier today, the anti-Israel encampment at UCSD was dismantled. We are appreciative of the university leadership for taking the necessary steps to enforce its policies and code of conduct to ensure that our university remain a safe and welcoming space. All students - including Jewish students - have the right to experience campus free from intimidation and harassment.
At Hillel of San Diego, the wellbeing and support of our Jewish students is our top priority - first, foremost, and always. Our doors will always remain open and our focus remains steadfast on supporting Jewish students."
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System said on social media Monday morning that due to police activity the UC San Diego Central Campus Trolley Station is temporarily closed. Trains will bypass the station. The Gilman Transit Center is also closed and buses are detouring around the police activity.
