Early Monday, dozens of individuals were detained inside a parking garage at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) after they refused police officers request for identification, citing a possible curfew violation.
An unidentified police officer informed reporters and observers that the group was detained for delaying an investigation into a potential curfew violation. This information was shared via a video posted on a social media platform by a KNX News reporter. The video showed multiple individuals with their hands zip-tied, sitting against a wall.
The exact number of detainees and whether they would face citations or arrests was unclear. However, it was noted that there is a longstanding curfew for “non-affiliates” on university property between midnight and 6 a.m., as per University of California regulations. Non-affiliates are defined as individuals who are not students, officers, official volunteers, employees, Regents, emeriti of the University of California, or members of a household authorized to reside on University Property.
UCLA and its police department did not immediately respond to questions about the situation or the possible curfew. However, a Bruin Alert issued just before 9 a.m. Monday stated that classes and work in Moore Hall would be remote due to ongoing disruptions.
On Sunday, UCLA had informed the campus community that normal classes and operations would resume. This announcement came days after police spent hours quelling attacks on a pro-Palestinian encampment, which culminated in a violent standoff between the camp and police, resulting in nearly 200 arrests and the dismantling of the camp.
The incident involving the curfew violation occurred near Moore Hall, not far from the parking structure where the detentions took place. This incident is one of many that have occurred on campuses nationwide in recent weeks as students protest the ongoing war in Gaza.
A source, who was not authorized to comment publicly, stated that the incident involved about 30 people who were detained for allegedly violating the non-affiliates curfew and refusing to leave. The source added that UCLA is now prepared to maintain a safe campus environment under the leadership of UCLA Police Chief John Thomas.
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block announced on Sunday the establishment of a new Office of Campus Safety, headed by former Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel. This office will oversee the police department and Office of Emergency Management, which were previously overseen by Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck. Braziel will report directly to Block and the new office will focus solely on campus safety.
