In a wave of anti-Israel protests sweeping across college campuses nationwide, law enforcement agencies have made thousands of arrests as agitators continue to voice their opposition. The demonstrations began on April 17 when protesters established an encampment at Columbia University, prompting swift action from authorities.

Columbia University authorized the New York Police Department (NYPD) to restore order on April 18, resulting in over 100 arrests. This initial incident sparked a movement that quickly spread to other institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

The unrest has led to more than 2,100 arrests in recent weeks, encompassing students, faculty, and outside agitators. In a disruptive act, anti-Israel protesters interrupted the University of Michigan's main commencement ceremony on Saturday, calling for the university to divest from Israel and companies engaged in business with the Jewish state.

In video footage, protesters can be seen marching down the center aisle of the ceremony, clutching Palestinian flags and signs, which elicited boos from attendees. However, no arrests were reported, and the disruption did not significantly impact the nearly two-hour event attended by tens of thousands of people.

On another front, a coalition of anti-Israel agitators aims to stage protests outside the Democratic National Convention in August. They are pressuring the City of Chicago, citing alleged violations of their First Amendment rights. Some Democrats express concerns about potential unrest that could disrupt the annual convention.

The Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, the Anti-War Coalition, and Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Illinois have filed a series of lawsuits against the city, with some expressing support for the anti-Israel encampment at the University of Chicago. Their goal is to engage in peaceful political speech and deliver their political messages directly to President Biden during the convention.

As the anti-Israel protests gain momentum, law enforcement agencies and institutions are grappling with the challenge of preserving order while respecting individuals' rights to express their opinions. The situation remains fluid, with campuses transforming into battlegrounds for ideological clashes, and future developments are expected as the movement continues to gather support and opposition.