On May 2, 2024, police in riot gear cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), resulting in over 100 protestors being detained. This action is part of a broader series of student-led protests across the United States, which focus on advocating for Palestinians and calling for a divestment from companies supporting the Israeli military in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The situation at UCLA escalated after clashes occurred between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups, necessitating heavy police intervention. The encampment had been a site of peaceful protest, according to some student activists, but was disrupted when law enforcement moved in to dismantle it, leading to several arrests and reported injuries among the protesters.

Following the clear-out, the UCLA campus was reported to be strained, with a noticeable presence of law enforcement and ongoing restrictions on campus activities as authorities worked to restore order. Students involved in the protests expressed feelings of shock and disillusionment, concerned with how the unrest could affect their upcoming final exams and general campus environment.

This incident at UCLA reflects wider tensions and activism on university campuses in the USA, where there is a push for institutions to reconsider financial and institutional links to the Israel-Gaza conflict. President Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and adherence to rule of law, condemning violence and disruptive activities tied to these demonstrations.

The community at UCLA is now dealing with the aftermath of the protest and subsequent police action, which has sparked conversations about freedom of speech, the role of law enforcement on campus, and the broader implications for student activism and academic responsibilities.