Despite increasing tensions between Oakland officials and the campers, there were no injuries Monday morning. City employees worked to clear the plaza of tents, tarps and other belongings.

At a news conference, Mayor Jean Quan said dismantling the encampment was necessary to protect protesters, citizens and nearby businesses. “We had to bring the camp to an end before more people were hurt,” she said.

City officials reopened the plaza Monday night and hundreds of protesters regrouped in their former campsite. The police said camping or sleeping there would be strictly prohibited. “There will be a strong police presence at the plaza 24-7,” said Chief Howard Jordan of the Oakland Police Department.