The Trump administration signed off on a new executive order that would make it easier for cities to relocate people who are homeless.

AUSTIN, Texas — A new executive order from signed by President Donald Trump is aiming to crack down on homelessness nationwide, but some advocacy groups in Austin worry that what’s being asked of state and city leaders will only worsen the issue.

The order calls on federal agencies to fast-track funding to states and cities to change how leaders manage homelessness. That includes camping, squatting and open illegal drug use.

The Trump administration said by removing what it calls “vagrant criminals” from the streets and redirecting resources to substance abuse programs, it will keep communities in tact.

Executive Director of Austin’s “Ending Community Coalition Coalition,” or ECHO, Matthew Mollica, called the order shocking and concerning.

“I think what we’ve seen throughout the history of homelessness in the country is that punitive criminalization and requirements for treatment just don’t work,” said Mollica.

Mollica stressed that people who are unhoused should be the ones to decide how they want to exit homelessness. 

“We’re concerned that this executive order is bringing us back closer to the old ways that things were done where you were required to be clean and sober before accessing housing,” said Mollica.

The order doesn’t explain how funding may be allocated to local governments or if resources will be expanded, but it does note that the “use of collected health data” will be shared with law enforcement to help get people the right medical care, which is another concern Mollica said is a violation.

“That’s not data that needs to go to law enforcement,” said Mollica. “I certainly wouldn’t want my medical record released to law enforcement for tracking, and that seems really dangerous and really concerning for us.”

KVUE reached out to the city’s Homeless Strategy Office. A city spokesperson provided the following statement in response:

“The City of Austin is aware of the recent Executive Order issued by the White House concerning crime, public safety and homelessness in American cities. 

We are currently reviewing the details of the order to understand how it may affect local policies, funding and services. The City of Austin remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of all our residents, including our most vulnerable populations.”

Mollica added that currently ECHO and city partners have been sheltering people “more than ever” and have a prime focus on investing in emergency shelters as well as permanent housing. 

“We will do whatever we can to make sure that we, we protect, the information that we have that they’ve given us and that we work closely to create a compassionate response to homelessness here in Austin-Travis County,” said Mollica.