Police in riot gear remove activists who refused to leave the building.
Law enforcement broke through barricades early this morning and arrested activists who refused orders to leave the University of New Mexico Student Union.
Yesterday, activists attempted to occupy a student center as part of ongoing protests against Israel and university policies that include encampments that began last week.
According to media reports and online posts, students had pitched tents inside the student center, but they were arrested and taken down.
Students marched to the student union building and chanted, “Quit, we won’t stop, we won’t rest.”
They pitched a tent inside the building yesterday and continued to sing.
The students chanted inside, “A united people will never be divided.”
“If you’re wondering, we don’t plan on going anywhere,” one activist said earlier in the day, according to a video posted by the UNM Solidarity Encampment.
Campus radio station KUNM reported that “about 40 protesters remained even after organizers began sharing tips on how to communicate with police and what to expect after an arrest.”
KUNM further reported:
Around 3 a.m., a UNM police vehicle parked outside the building warned the camp to disperse.
“Anyone remaining in the student center for more than 30 minutes is considered trespassing on University of New Mexico property. “This is a criminal act.” A police officer's voice rang out through the loudspeaker. “If you do not follow these orders, you will be arrested. Force may be used against you. “You are not only committing a crime, but you are also violating University of New Mexico policies and procedures, which may expose you to potential administrative sanctions.”
Footage from KUNM shows police in riot gear forming up before moving in to remove the intruders.
Videos on Instagram showed police in riot gear clearing the building, sometimes knocking activists to the ground.
University of New Mexico students occupied the student union building on the eighth day of the ongoing Gaza Solidarity encampment.
“Be brave! Palestinians in Gaza have already expressed their gratitude for our actions. In one case, a UNM regimental encampment was specifically named. pic.twitter.com/bzGqkZolO5
— The News Room (@TheNewsRoom0) April 30, 2024
“@unmpalestinesolidaritycamp occupied the #UNM Student Union building in solidarity with our allies around the world to ensure #Gaza is not forgotten,” the group wrote on Instagram.
“The media and politicians are trying to buy the narrative, throwing all kinds of disgusting accusations at us to tell us something other than what we are asking for. #FreePalestine,” they wrote. “We will not stop. We will not be silent. “We will not be led astray by disingenuous actors seeking to distract us.”
Protests continued throughout the country.
Columbia University activists stormed and occupied a building last night, shutting down the campus.
more: Police deployed tear gas to quell violent pro-Palestinian VCU protests.
Image: UNM Solidarity Encampment/Instagram
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