College protests updates: Police begin dismantling University of Chicago encampment

Police entered the campus encampment early Tuesday, WLS reported.

Protests have broken out at colleges and universities across the country in connection with the war in Gaza.

Many pro-Palestinian protesters are calling for their colleges to divest of funds from Israeli military operations, while some Jewish students on the campuses have called the protests antisemitic and said they are scared for their safety.

The student protests -- some of which have turned into around-the-clock encampments -- have erupted throughout the nation following arrests and student removals at Columbia University in New York City. Students at schools including Yale University, New York University, Harvard University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California and more have launched protests.


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NYPD says Hamilton Hall, encampment cleared at Columbia

The NYPD said Tuesday night that Hamilton Hall and the encampment have been cleared.

In a short media briefing, the NYPD said the only thing that remains are the tents at the encampment, which the university will clear.

No injuries have been reported, the NYPD said.

An official also said no tear gas was deployed Tuesday night.

-ABC News' Joshua Hoyos


Nearly 50 arrests so far at Columbia: Police sources

There have been about four dozen arrests so far by the NYPD at Columbia University, according to police sources.

The first bus of protesters apprehended by police just left the campus area.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky


Police head toward encampments after clearing a fortified Hamilton Hall

Police officers were met with a heavily fortified building when they entered Hamilton Hall on Tuesday night, sources told ABC News.

There have been a number of arrests, however no specific number was immediately available.

With the situation at Hamilton Hall believed to be contained, a number of officers are making their way from building to tent encampments.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky


Columbia asks NYPD to 'retain a presence' through May 17

Columbia University has asked the NYPD to "retain a presence on campus through at least May 17."

The request came in the letter the university sent to the NYPD Tuesday night, allowing them to move onto campus grounds.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky and Joshua Hoyos


300 arrested at Columbia and City College, Adams says

About 300 people were arrested at Columbia University and City College Tuesday night, New York Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday.

"We are processing the arrests to distinguish between who were actually students and who were not supposed to be on the grounds," Adams said.

"It was led by individuals who are not affiliated with the university. The school needed the NYPD assistance to clear Hamilton Hall at the encampments outside of dual operations on the grounds that took place successfully," Adams said.

Officials said those arrested could be charged with trespassing, criminal mischef and burglary.