In a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern over the presence of "outside agitators" at Columbia University and City College of New York, where pro-terror protests have been taking place. The Mayor vowed to protect the American "way of life" and ensure the safety of students amidst the ongoing unrest.

The NYPD conducted a massive operation, resulting in the arrest of more than 280 anti-Israel demonstrators at both campuses. At Columbia University alone, 109 individuals were nabbed after the administration called for police assistance to remove a destructive mob that had illegally taken over the Hamilton Hall academic building late Tuesday.

Mayor Adams attributed the chaos on campus to radical insurgents who have a history of escalating situations and creating chaos rather than peacefully protesting. He highlighted evidence of their training and their influence on young people, emphasizing that he would not allow professionals to radicalize the city's children.

Additionally, 173 protesters were arrested at City College of New York, where violent scenes unfolded as a mob tore down the US flag and replaced it with a Palestinian flag. Mayor Adams passionately spoke against such actions, stating that it was "despicable" for schools to allow another country's flag to be displayed in the United States.

The NYPD is currently processing the arrests to differentiate between students and those who should not have been on campus. Initial charges for both Columbia and City College protesters include trespassing, criminal mischief, and burglary, according to the police.

Speaking about the operation, Mayor Adams revealed that drones were employed by the NYPD for a complete analysis of the location before initiating the action. The police also encrypted radios to ensure an element of surprise during the operation.

Minouche Shafik, the embattled president of Columbia University, issued a statement expressing deep sadness and acknowledging that the on-campus violence had pushed the university to the brink. Shafik and the Board of Trustees made the decision to involve the NYPD after a small group of protesters broke into the historic Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves inside.

Dramatic videos captured the moment riot-gear clad officers entered Hamilton Hall through the second-floor windows using a ramp. The arrested protesters, many of whom concealed their faces, were then transported to 1 Police Plaza for processing.

In the aftermath of the mass arrests, the CUNY Gaza Solidarity Encampment group called for a rally in support of the detained protesters outside the NYPD's headquarters in Lower Manhattan.

Meanwhile, during an interview after his release, Fernando Bobis, one of the arrested protesters, claimed that he and his fellow protesters had been denied water and were not allowed to use the bathroom overnight. Bobis, a Brown University graduate and practicing medical professional, also highlighted his struggle in managing his Type 1 diabetes without access to his insulin.

As the investigations into the protests and arrests continue, Mayor Adams remains steadfast in his commitment to maintaining peace, protecting the city's educational institutions, and safeguarding the values of the American way of life.