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Abbott orders homeless encampment removals in Austin
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies to begin a concerted operation to remove homeless encampments and enforce laws in Austin, citing public safety concerns over "weapons, needles, and other debris" littering the city's streets and state property.
AUSTIN - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday directed state agencies to begin a concerted operation to remove homeless encampments and enforce laws in Austin, citing public safety concerns over "weapons, needles, and other debris" littering the city's streets and state property.
Removing Homeless Encampments
The governor announced the effort, which is dedicated to making the capital city "safer and cleaner" by relocating homeless individuals and removing encampments in and around state property.
What they're saying:
"Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals," Governor Abbott said in a statement. "The State of Texas is taking action. I directed state agencies to address this risk and make Austin safer and cleaner for residents and visitors to live, travel, and conduct business."
The operation is being led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas State Guard, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
Removal Results
What we know:
State officials reported that since the operation began late last week, they have removed 48 encampments and cleared over 3,000 pounds of debris.
Authorities have arrested numerous individuals for criminal offenses and violations of local ordinances. Among those arrested, 24 were identified as repeat felony offenders. Additionally, the sweep resulted in the seizure of over 125 grams of narcotics and the removal of firearms and drug paraphernalia from public areas.
During the cleanup operations, 10 subjects were found to have outstanding warrants, including one individual wanted out of state for Aggravated Escape from Custody. The governor’s office noted that several of those identified in warrants were classified as armed and dangerous with violent tendencies.
What we don't know:
The identities of those arrested were not released.
Two separate encampments cleaned up in Austin
What they're saying:
At the interchange of SH 45 and Highway 183, a big encampment was cleared out Tuesday morning.
One of the last to leave was a woman, who said her name was MJ. She struggled moving several shopping carts that were filled with what was left of her roadside home.
"They don’t tell you anything. They yell at you and arrest you, that’s all," said M.J.
Dig deeper:
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the city got a heads-up from the state. But Watson went on to say the city did not know the clean-up would be expanded from roadways to local parks and trails.
"Sending in the State Guard and DPS. That can make you look tough, and that’s the current MO of some right now, but it does not solve the issue; empathy is the word, not toughness," said Mayor Watson.
Watson was at an event where city officials were pushing their own homeless initiative. It's focused on families and children.
"Here in Central Texas, there are over 2,500 students that we know of, living in 1,100 families, who are experiencing homelessness," said Homeless Strategies and Operations director David Gray.
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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Austin City Council member on homeless center
Ryan Alter, council member for District 5, talks about the purchase of a $4 million property on I-35 for a controversial homeless navigation center. Dozens of parents have expressed concerns over the center's proximity to several schools.
The city operation is also clearing camps, reportedly with similar results as the state operation. In a memo to council members on Monday, Gray justified the action as a cold weather measure.
"Rather than rush during the winter and holiday season, City staff are getting an earlier start this season to connect people with resources and shelter before floods and winter weather arrive," stated Gray.
Austin has allocated millions of dollars to try to address the homeless problem. The City has allowed camping on sidewalks and converted old hotels.
"Everyone needs to know, we are dealing with the hardest to serve in this situation," said Mayor Watson.
People like M.J. continue to move from one camp to another at least two to three times each month. Along with losing a place to sleep, she has also lost hope of getting lasting help from the city.
"No, they want you to die. They want you to be killed off," said M.J.
What's next:
Mayor Watson said he wants to work with the governor to find real solutions.
He invited Governor Abbott to look at some of the programs the city is running.
The Source: Information in this article is from the Texas Governor's press office, statements by Austin city leaders, and interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Rudy Koski