Last Update May 04, 2024 06:25pm ET

Police and law enforcement have made thousands of arrests as anti-Israel agitators continue to protest in encampments on college campuses across the nation. Some colleges have struck deals with protesters to review their investments in Israel.

Covered by: Chris Pandolfo, Elizabeth Pritchett, Landon Mion and Louis Casiano

Fast Facts

•  Anti-Israel protests have spread nationwide since an protesters first formed an encampment on Columbia University’s campus on April 17. 
•  Columbia University authorized NYPD to restore order the following day, April 18, and more than 100 of the protesters were arrested. 
•  The initial arrests sparked a movement on college campuses across the country, including at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and the University of California, Los Angeles. 
•  More than 2,100 protesters have been arrested at colleges and universities in recent weeks, including students, faculty, and outside agitators. 

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3 hour(s) ago

Anti-Israel protesters disrupt University of Michigan commencement

Anti-Israel agitators interrupted the University of Michigan’s main commencement ceremony on Saturday.

Carlos Del Toro, the 78th US secretary of the Navy, was addressing the large crowd at the time when the protesters began displaying Palestinian flags and chanting at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

The protesters called for the university to divest from Israel and companies that do business with the Jewish state.

The group marched up the center aisle holding Palestinian flags and signs and were met with boos as police closed in, according to video footage.

No arrests were reported and the protest — comprised of about 50 people, many wearing traditional Arabic kaffiyeh along with their graduation caps — didn’t seriously interrupt the nearly two-hour event, which was attended by tens of thousands of people, The Associated Press reported.

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10 min(s) ago

UCLA student exposes anti-Israel agitators in viral videos: ‘They physically assaulted me’

One University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) student went viral on TikTok after anti-Israel agitators blocked him from walking across campus twice, shortly before law enforcement broke up the encampment leaving the once-beautiful campus ridden with graffiti and trash. 

Milagro Jones, a senior at UCLA, joined “America’s Newsroom” to discuss the encounter with the pro-Palestinian demonstrators and how he responded to the attempt to thwart him from accessing his campus library. 

“I was stopped by masked, anti-Israel protesters who mistook me for someone of Jewish background,” Jones told hosts Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino on Friday. “They said I was an Israeli agitator. They physically assaulted me on Friday. The last time that I was on campus, they actually punched my brother in the head. They reached into their hoodie pocket and claimed that they had a weapon.”

“I just wanted to free my campus from these people,” he continued. “I wanted to give my other students an opportunity to be able to access the campus without segregation, without people telling us that we can’t go to the library, and I just want to see a safe, beautiful campus where we can all learn, and we can all come together for positivity, for education.”

To read the full article, click here.

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1 hour(s) ago

Anti-Israel groups accuse Chicago, DNC of trying to ‘protect’ Biden from 2024 Dem convention protest

A coalition of anti-Israel agitators seeking to protest outside the Democratic National Convention in August are continuing to put pressure on the City of Chicago, alleging their First Amendment rights are being violated, while some Democrats fear unrest could disrupt the annual convention.

A series of lawsuits have been filed against the city in recent months by the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, the Anti-War Coalition, and Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Illinois — some of which have voiced support for the anti-Israel encampment at the University of Chicago.

In a Tuesday filing at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the coalition of protesters stated they want to “engage in peaceful political speech and seek to exercise their First Amendment rights at the Convention to deliver their political messages directly to… President Biden.”

That effort is being stifled by the City of Chicago, which denied the groups “respective applications for parade permits within sight or sound of the Convention,” according to the filing.

“Instead, the City, on information at the behest of the DNC, unilaterally decided to offer an alternative parade route approximately four (4) miles away buried on a tree lined street in an entirely other part of the City, clearly to protect President Biden and others from hearing the Plaintiffs’ political message,” the coalition stated in the filing. “In doing so, the City failed to consider to least restrictive route narrowly tailored to meet a compelling government interest. Indeed, the City admitted it considered no other alternative than the one it seeks to force on Plaintiffs and failed to engage Plaintiffs to consider less restrictive options.”

The 2024 Democratic convention, which is slated to be held this summer in Chicago at the United Center from August 19 – 22, will be attended by Democrats from all over the country. It will also be where the party announces its official nominee for the 2024 presidential election, which is expected to be a rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump.

To read the full article, click here.

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1 hour(s) ago

Leo Terrell flames alma mater UCLA as ‘national embarrassment’ in wake of anti-Israel campus chaos

Civil rights attorney and University of California-Los Angeles alumnus Leo Terrell called out his alma mater for its response to anti-Israel chaos on campus, adding that every other presidential administration save for Joe Biden’s would have rightly protected Jewish students under Title VI.

“First of all, let me be very clear: Let’s not use the First Amendment to describe the criminal anti-Semitic conduct that happened at UCLA, a school that I attended; law school,” Terrell told “Life, Liberty & Levin,” calling the university a “national embarrassment.”

Terrell earned his juris doctor from UCLA’s law school, while he received his undergraduate degree from California State University-Dominguez Hills.

Police required riot gear to break up protests and dismantle a tent city on the UCLA campus on Thursday, the same day Chancellor Gene Block wrote an open letter recognizing “deep pain” on campus, while promising an investigation into violence there. Block declared the tent city unlawful and a “breach of policy.”

Terrell also faulted the Biden administration for inaction against the protests, citing previous federal actions to break up unlawful or dangerous protests.

“There is enough federal law and protection that is not being used by the Biden administration. Why? Because they are playing politics,” said Terrell, who previously espoused the claim Biden and others fear Democratic voter revolt in key-swing-state Michigan in an election year. The Great Lakes State has a marked Arab population.

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2 hour(s) ago

University of Virginia police declare unlawful assembly

Authorities at the University of Virginia declared an unlawful assembly on campus Saturday.

The UVA Department of Safety and Security said the gathering of anti-Israel protesters was near the Rotunda and Chapel areas on campus in a social media post.

“Avoid the area,” the campus safety department added.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the university, campus police and the Virginia State Police.

A group called UVA Encampment for Gaza posted a message on social media demanding the release of at least one person arrested.

“I am calling to demand the release of the one arrestee that has been in custody for over two hours and the immediate de-escalation of UPD, CPD, APD, and the Virginia State Troopers,” the message states. “I support our students, faculty, and community members. Tell the militarized forces to STAND DOWN NOW.” 

Just after 4 p.m. local time, UVA police said the incident was “stable.”

“Police remain on scene,” a UVA statement said.

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3 hour(s) ago

USC president addresses anti-Israel protest in message

A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation at the campus’ Alumni Park on April 24 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

The president of the University of Southern California said the school was taking steps to ensure students finish their finals “in a quiet, safe academic environment” amid days of anti-Israel protests on the Los Angeles campus.

USC President Carol Folt wrote the letter to students a day after the school announced plans for a “Trojan Family Graduate Celebration” at the Los AngelesMemorial Coliseum after the main commencement was canceled.

“Let me be absolutely clear,” she wrote in the letter released Friday. “Free speech and assembly do not include the right to obstruct equal access to campus, damage property, or foment harassment, violence, and threats. Nor is anyone entitled to obstruct the normal functions of our university, including commencement.”

The main graduation ceremony was canceled amid security measures that would have taken too much time to implement for the event, which was expected to draw 65,000 people. The additional security came after days of anti-Israel protests on campus that resulted in dozens of arrests.

“The university is legally obligated to ensure that students, faculty, and staff can move freely throughout our campus while pursuing their studies, work, and research,” Folt wrote. “Every part of our campuses, including Alumni Park, must be fully accessible and free from vandalism and harassment.”

Student finals are expected to conclude Wednesday, the same day commencement ceremonies will begin

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4 hour(s) ago

UCLA to resume campus operations on Monday

Pro-Palestinian students at UCLA campus set up encampment in support of Gaza and protest the Israeli attacks in Los Angeles, California, United States on May 01, 2024. (Photo by Grace Yoon/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The University of California, Los Angeles will move back to full operations on Monday, with a law enforcement presence, after days of anti-Israel protests. 

Classes will still be remote through the weekend and work events and research activities were encouraged to remain virtual during that period, the school said in a news release. 

“A law enforcement presence continues to be stationed around campus to help promote safety,” the release said.

The school canceled classes on Wednesday and began virtual learning the next day as anti-Israel protesters clashed with authorities who were trying to disperse an encampment.

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4 hour(s) ago

Judge denies request to lift ban on ASU students suspended for anti-Israel protests: report

A judge in Arizona has denied a motion that would have lifted the suspension of twenty students arrested last week amid anti-Israel protests. 

The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizonadenied the Arizona State University students’ motion to have their college suspensions lifted on Friday, according to local outlet ABC 15.

The defendants filed the lawsuit against the Arizona Board of Regents on Tuesday, alleging that their suspension from ASU is causing “irreparable harm” due to their inability to enroll in classes.

The students, who are charged with trespassing, also alleged that the suspensions violate their First Amendment rights.

Approximately 72 individuals were arrested on Apr. 26 and taken into custody while continuing protests on the Arizona State University campus. 

Police officers cleared the Old Main lawn area overnight — those arrested included both students and faculty. 

Judge John Tuchi ruled that the students did not provide sufficient evidence that their First Amendment rights had been violated.

He also ruled that there was insufficient evidence that the university’s suspension of students was causing “irreparable harm.” The trespassing charges at the heart of the lawsuit have yet to be brought to court.

Students and faculty have demanded the university drop any charges against the protesters with ongoing demonstrations since the arrests.

Fox News Digital’s Timothy H.J. Nerozzi contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

5 hour(s) ago

Former Columbia football star Marcellus Wiley discusses student protests: ‘I’m disgusted’

Marcellus Wiley attends the 2023 Children’s Resilience in Film Awards at Paramount Pictures Studios on October 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Shine Global Inc)

Former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley said he is “disgusted” by the events taking place at Columbia University. 

Wiley, who played college football at Columbia, recently joined Dan Dakich on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me” to address the ongoing protests at the Ivy League university. Similar demonstrations have been happening at college campuses across the U.S. in recent weeks.

“I’m disgusted,” Wiley began. “I don’t pick the political side… it doesn’t matter what side you are politically on this one. You don’t have the right to protest and be unruly. Now peacefully protest, go do it.”

Wiley argued that protesting was not the “end all be all.”

“I talk to these kids and I know my foundation, Project Transition, I’m always in the community and talking to these kids… half these kids don’t even know why they out there protesting. It’s unreal… like it’s insane.” Wiley told Dakich. “And the ones that do know also know that this is not the end all be all. There are other steps and measures you must take beyond protesting.”

The former Buffalo Bills defender added that students’ actions could impact their future.

“So I don’t know why these kids are going to this extent… creating encampments, destroying their university, their property, their reputation, because when you leave people ask ‘Where did you go to school?’ and then their minds goes to two places. The positive, academic reputation, great curriculum…. and then awe Columbia… the place where all the protests, the place where all the kids can’t even be controlled, the place where the leadership didn’t step in fast enough, swift enough. So it damages your reputation, but we will rebound because we have to rebound.”

Wiley then pointed to Stanford University’s handling of student protests.

“I wish we would’ve handled it like Stanford. Saw some of the Texas schools, some of the Florida schools… Stanford wrote a letter, they said look before ya’ll go outside let me just let you know the rules of engagement… you are allowed to protest these hours, these places, go ahead. That’s what I wish Columbia would have did. And then after that if you want to violate these policies, there will be swift consequences.” 

Fox News Digital’s Chantz Martin contributed to this update.

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5 hour(s) ago

Violent Columbia University agitator is allegedly privileged heir to multi-million dollar ad empire

James Carlson departs New York Criminal Court following his arraignment on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Carlson is charged with arson, criminal mischief and possession of stolen property after being arrested while allegedly occupying Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall on Tuesday night. (John M. Mantel for Fox News Digital)

A violent, outside agitator arrested at the anti-Israel Columbia University protest is reportedly the privileged heir of a multi-million dollar ad empire, according to New York Police.

The New York Post reported that James Carlson, aka Cody Carlson, aka Cody Tarlow is a “longtime anarchist” with no known ties to Columbia University who was arrested when police raided the encampment at Hamilton Hall on Tuesday. Carlson is being investigated as a “possible leader” of the group of agitators that broke into the building and occupied it unlawfully, NYPD and City Hall sources told the Post.

The report identified Carlson, 40, as one of three children of prominent advertising executives Richard “Dick” Tarlow and his wife, Sandy Carlson Tarlow. Dick Tarlow died in 2022 at age 81 with an estate worth at least $20 million, according to court records.

James Carlson is heir to that fortune and owns a 2,893-square-foot, three-story brownstone with four wood-burning fireplaces and a carriage house purchased in Park Slope in 2019 for $2.3 million, property records and online listings show. 

Carlson has a lengthy arrest record dating back to 2005, with charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, conspiracy and criminal trespassing, the Post reported.

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6 hour(s) ago

Maher torches Biden’s student loan handout: ‘My tax dollars are supporting this Jew hating?’

“Real Time” host Bill Maher took aim at President Biden’s latest student loan handout proposal, insisting his own tax dollars, by extension, will be funding the “Jew hating” on college campuses. 

During Friday night’s panel discussion, while discussing the anti-Israel unrest occurring at top universities in recent weeks, Maher said he gets “so incensed” at how many of the students participating receive federal aid. 

“When I read about the college loans… ‘Biden administration’s student debt cancelation will cost a combined $870 billion to $1.4 trillion. That’s a lot of debt forgiveness,” Maher said. 

Maher continued, “Colleges constantly raise tuition, then the kids take out more loans, then the government comes by and pays those loans. Okay, so my tax dollars are supporting this Jew hating? I don’t think so.”

Fox News contributor Kellyanne Conway said the student loan handout was unfair, telling Maher “You can’t have plumbers and pipefitters playing for the student loans of doctors and lawyers.”

“I’m all for the government trying to help people who need it, but he did that as a political play and everybody knows it. He’s bleeding young people support.” Conway added.

“And it hasn’t worked,” Bloomberg Businessweek correspondent Joshua Green chimed in. “If you look at issues that young people care about, Gaza is like 15th out of 16th. And the only thing that comes in lower than Gaza is student loan forgiveness. So it hasn’t worked as a motivator for the youth vote, you know, half of which are out there chanting ‘Genocide Joe.’ So it’s backfired not just in terms of public policy, but in terms of the politics, too.”