A UCLA Federalist Society event featuring DHS General Counsel James Percival devolved into chaos as more than 150 left-leaning protesters outside and inside attendees interrupted with boos, profane signs, and phone-sound disruptions. Organizers said the disruption prevented Percival from delivering a substantive talk, prompting complaints from the law student group and concern about free speech on campus. Backlash framed the incident as part of a broader trend of disruption against conservative voices on campuses, prompting reactions from DOJ officials and pundits. The episode raises questions about campus civility, safety, and the openness of debate moving forward.
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The event occurred at UCLA School of Law, hosted by the Federalist Society's UCLA chapter, with DHS General Counsel James Percival speaking to law students.
Outside, over 150 protesters gathered shouting criticisms of the Trump administration, including 'No ICE, No KKK, No Fascist U.S.A.', while inside attendees booed and displayed hostile signs such as 'F--- you loser.'
Disruptors used phone sounds and interruptions during Percival's remarks, and many participants walked out during the Q&A session, according to the event organizers.
UCLA student groups, including the Latine Law Students Association and BAMN, accused inviting Percival of normalizing discriminatory policies and harming undocumented students, while warning the campus against giving a platform to ICE and the Trump administration.
DOJ officials and conservative commentators linked the incident to a wider pattern of campus disruption against conservative speakers, citing reactions from Harmeet Dhillon and Ilya Shapiro as part of a broader free-speech debate.