LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Protestors had been camping out at Oakland's City Hall for about two weeks, prompting health and safety concerns among city officials. Eighty-five people were arrested, mostly on suspicion of misdemeanor illegal lodging. Hundreds of officers and sheriff's deputies from more than a dozen agencies went into the encampment with tear gas and beanbag rounds. No one was injured, according to police.

"I'm very pleased with how things went," Interim Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan said.

Television news footage showed protesters being taken away in plastic handcuffs without incident.

Thirty-year-old Aiyahnna Johnson had been living at the camp with her 2-year-old daughter. "We want the best for you guys, that's all," she was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle telling two officers who were leading her away.

The Oakland site was just one of many numerous camps that have sprung up around the nation, as protesters rally against what they see as corporate greed and a wide range of other economic issues.

Police declared on a loud speaker that the protesters were illegally blocking the plaza and were subject to arrest. Several hundred people appeared ready to defend the camp about an hour before police moved in, placing Dumpsters, boards, pallets and even metal police-style barricades around the plaza.

Authorities fired tear gas after being pelted with rocks, bottles and utensils from people in the camp's kitchen area. Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the area. The plaza was "contained" around 5:30 a.m., according to city officials, although tents and trash remain there.

Streets were closed off by police barricades, and at least two helicopters were in the air shining lights down. Dozens of officers were on the streets, and police in riot gear were seen facing off with shouting protesters.

Downtown businesses were advised to delay opening and city employees were ordered to come in late.

City officials had originally been supportive of the protesters, with Oakland Mayor Jean Quan saying that sometimes "democracy is messy," but later warned the protesters that they were breaking the law and could not stay in the encampment overnight.

They cited concerns about rats, fire hazards, public urination and acts of violence at the site, which had grown to more than 150 tents and included health, child-care and kitchen areas.

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