19 Arrested at Michigan State University During Pro-Palestinian Protest, Deportation Concerns Raised

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University (MSU) police arrested 19 individuals, including 17 students and two community members, on Thursday evening following a pro-Palestinian sit-in at the Hannah Administration Building. The protest, organized by the Hurriya Coalition and Students for Justice in Palestine, demanded divestment from Israel and highlighted concerns over the deportation of international students involved in similar campus actions.

The arrests occurred around 8 p.m. after MSU Police Lieutenant Kim Parviainen issued a final warning to vacate the building's lobby, citing trespassing violations. The demonstration followed a rally and a meeting with university officials, where protesters sought accountability on MSU's investments. Tensions escalated as the group refused to leave, leading to a swift police response. Images from the scene showed students being handcuffed, sparking outcry among supporters who argue the arrests stifle free speech.

The Hurriya Coalition, a collective of over 20 student organizations, framed the protest as part of a broader push for Palestinian solidarity amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Organizers also raised alarms about the Trump administration's immigration policies, pointing to recent cases like that of Columbia University's Mahmoud Khalil, whose deportation was temporarily blocked after his arrest tied to campus protests. Fears are mounting that international students at MSU could face similar repercussions, with some protesters alleging the arrests were retaliatory.

MSU administrators have not commented on the deportation concerns but stated the arrests followed protocol for unauthorized building occupation. The university emphasized its commitment to balancing free expression with campus safety. However, the incident has reignited debates about institutional responses to political activism, with critics arguing that heavy-handed tactics risk alienating students and escalating tensions.

The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of universities nationwide, as the Trump administration signals a broader crackdown on campus protests perceived as disruptive. Posts circulating online reflect divided sentiment, with some praising MSU's response as necessary for order, while others condemn it as an overreach targeting marginalized voices.

For MSU's student body, the fallout raises questions about the future of activism on campus. The Hurriya Coalition vowed to continue its campaign, calling for solidarity and urging the university to address divestment demands transparently. As legal proceedings loom for those arrested, the incident underscores the precarious balance between protest rights and institutional authority in an increasingly polarized climate.