Occupy LA receives deadline to disperse campers

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) followed orders this Monday (28) to arrest those who would not voluntarily leave the Occupy LA movement, which had its protesters camping on the City Hall’s lawn. This Monday morning had several people arrested, even though the police officers hoped that the campers would leave on their own once the deadline had been set for Sunday midnight.

Police Action

Contrary to what was expected, the campers felt even more bound to participate in the Occupy LA than before the deadline had been determined. The feeling was of protesting against the decision to end a protest, considering that the LA Officials had to deal with this situation for weeks until a decision was made to put an end to the camp. After 5 a.m., the police began issuing orders to disperse the campers from the region.

According to an officer that used a loudspeaker, “it is not our intent to clear the park at this time. It is only our intent to clear the street. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.” The reason for dispersing the campers was that they had to clear the way for the early morning commuters.

Individual Story

A camper that caught most people’s attention was Jessica Macias, who was holding a sign written “This is My First Occupation”. She decided to drive from her home at San Bernardino County, which is about an hour away from the camp, to spend several weekends with the participants of Occupy LA.

Macias said that she was laid off from her job at a private university corporation back in the month of February and is until now living from her savings. Besides being fired, Macias saw her former boss buying himself a brand new Jaguar. Even though she is coping with her savings, Macias is worried about coming through with her rent. Her parents already lost their home and moved in with her brother.