Baltimore police stormed City Hall where activists were camped out in an overnight protest of the proposed permanent appointment of a new police commissioner, arresting at least 12 demonstrators.

Yahoo! News reports at least 25 officers converged on the scene before dawn Thursday, frantically loading protesters demanding better overall policing into transport vehicles and taking off.

"It is our duty to fight for our freedom," on-looking protesters shouted. "We have nothing to lose but our chains."

Police justified their actions by posting on their social media site that a small number of protesters had decided to leave after hours of warnings.

"The remaining protesters refused to leave the building," the statement continued. "As a direct result of their failure to comply, the remaining protesters have been arrested and charged with trespassing."

Reports state many of the protesters were student activists, including at least two juveniles that were also taken into custody.

At the root of the latest demonstrations is the proposed appointment of now interim Police Commissioner Kevin Davis to permanent status. Protesters argue they were given no voice in the process, and are still demanding a meeting with Davis and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Other demands include better treatment of protesters, an upgraded investment in public schools and social services and a vow for officers to cease with employing armored vehicles and other forms of riot gear.

Kwame Rose, one of the protest organizers, vowed activists will continue to press for police reforms, which also include the demand that all officers always wear badges and name tags.

Davis was named interim commissioner back in July after predecessor Anthony Batts was fired amid a sharp spike in violent crime across the city. The trend followed a period of unrest and rioting across the area following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody.

Gray died of a severe neck injury and chief prosecutor Marilyn Mosby has since criminally charged six officers in connection with his death.