A group of self-described socialist students at the University of Missouri protested a major law enforcement operation in Columbia that led to more than 30 violent offenders being arrested. The students accused local and federal authorities of “overreach,” demanding the university’s surveillance systems be shut down and federal involvement curtailed.
About 50 members of the University of Missouri Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) marched from the campus Speakers Circle to Columbia City Hall on December 11 to protest what they called federal intrusion into local matters. The demonstration targeted “Operation Brightside,” a multi-agency law enforcement sweep conducted in November that resulted in 32 felony arrests, including 19 federal indictments, 21 state felony warrants and six residential search warrants.
Protest organizers objected to Columbia and the university sharing surveillance data with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They specifically demanded the removal of the Flock Safety surveillance system on campus and in the city, claiming such technology opens the door to federal intervention. Organizer Izn Hasan said the law enforcement operation sets a precedent for ongoing ICE presence, a claim tied to concerns about immigration enforcement rather than public safety.
Members of the Stand Up 4 Students coalition echoed fears that University of Missouri System President Mun Choi and Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe were bypassing local elected officials to push policies they disagree with. Natalie Hosto, a coalition member, criticized Choi’s influence on city politics despite not being elected, and insisted students would not “just sit back and let it happen.”
University spokesperson Christopher Ave defended the law enforcement collaboration, emphasizing that a safe campus and community are essential for student success and that reducing crime requires cooperation among all stakeholders. He reiterated the university’s support for initiatives aimed at improving public safety.
The protest follows other controversial demonstrations on campus this year. In May, roughly 100 activists associated with Stand Up 4 Students protested various university decisions, including changes to student organization events and requirements that university employees cooperate with law enforcement under Executive Order 51. Protesters at that time carried signs with slogans such as “Melt ICE” and “Choi loves the GOP not his own students.”
The student march underscores wider tensions on college campuses over policing, surveillance, and federal involvement in local enforcement actions. Supporters of the law enforcement operation argue such measures are necessary to address rising violent crime, while protesters frame the collaboration as an encroachment on local governance and civil liberties.
