Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott decreed Monday that "no encampments will be allowed" on college campuses in his state, as law enforcement cleared an impromptu gathering at the University of Texas and made several arrests.
Abbott's edict stands in stark contrast to myriad universities being held hostage by anti-Israel protesters across the country, most notably in New York and Ivy League schools in the northeast.
"Instead, arrests are being made," Abbott said in a post to X.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers joined campus police in clearing the encampment at the state's flagship campus in Austin. The Austin American-Statesman reported that protesters were arrested after refusing orders to leave.
"I command you in the name of the University of Texas Police Department to disperse, and if you do not, you shall be arrested," Assistant Chief Shane Streepy announced to the protesters, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Dozens of state troopers in riot gear carrying zip ties advanced on the encampment, surrounded it, and began clearing it. A Sheriff's transport bus arrived to haul away arrested protesters. Anywhere from five to eight were arrested, according to reports.
"After protesters ignored repeated directives from both the administration and law enforcement officers to comply with Institutional Rules and remove tents assembled on the University's South Lawn, then physically engaged with and verbally assaulted Dean of Students staff who attempted to confiscate them, UT and partner law enforcement agencies dismantled an encampment and arrested several protesters," University of Texas officials said in a statement.
Further, "Baseball size rocks were found strategically placed within the encampment. The majority of protesters are believed to be unaffiliated with the university. On Saturday, the University received extensive online threats from a group organizing today's protest," university officials added.
Charges were dropped against roughly 50 demonstrators who were arrested last week on the Austin campus after a similar encampment.
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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