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


USC protest encampment being cleared: Police

A pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus of the University of Southern California was being cleared Sunday morning as campus police warned protesters to leave or be arrested.

The announcement came as the USC Department of Public Safety closed the campus "as a result of significant activity at the center of campus."

"If you are in the center of campus, please leave. People who don’t leave will be arrested. We will issue another alert when it is clear to return," the DPS said on X.

The campus police said officers from the Los Angeles Police Department are assisting in "clearing the center" of the University Park Campus.

Sunday's action came after USC President Carol Folt sent an email to the school's community, saying "steps would be taken to ensure a quiet and safe environment for students to complete their finals."

“[L]et me be absolutely clear: free speech and assembly do not include the right to obstruct equal access to campus, damage property, or foment harassment, violence, and threats,” Folt said. “Nor is anyone entitled to obstruct the normal functions of our university, including commencement."

-ABC News' Cory Peeler