1 arrested after police clash with pro-Palestinian demonstrators at UIUC

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WLS) -- Pro-Palestinian protests are expected to continue Saturday at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

University police said one demonstrator was arrested after confrontations between protesters and officers on Friday.

Students and staff are being asked to avoid the demonstration area in front of the Illini Union until further notice.

University police officers attempting to escort staff to remove encampment structures were met with physical resistance on Friday afternoon. That's according to a letter from Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost John Coleman.

"This included use of pieces of lumber as well as other physical tools and objects to push the officers back," said Coleman. "This situation has escalated beyond a peaceful expression of opinion."

Students who do not comply with orders to leave are being warned of arrests and the possibility of immediate interim suspension, Coleman said.

Coleman went on to say that the U of I community is not responsible for the progression of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

"We do not have the power to end this devastating war no matter how much we wish we could," he said.