Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday says he’s relocating homeless encampments out of the state capital.
The governor said the action was being taken to make Austin “safer and cleaner.”
“Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals,” said Abbott. “Weapons, needles, and other debris should not litter the streets of our community, and 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.”
Abbott’s office said homeless people who violate state law or local ordinances will be arrested and debris from encampments will be removed.
“Since the operation began late last week, Texas has arrested numerous individuals for a variety of criminal offenses, and removed firearms, drug paraphernalia, and encampments from public areas across Austin,” the governor’s office said.
Texas Governor’s Press Office
Texas Governor’s Press Office
Texas DPS move homeless encampments out of Austin.
In Tuesday’s statement, Abbott’s office said 48 encampments and 3,000 pounds of debris had been removed. Officials seized more than 125 grams of narcotics and arrested 24 people, they said, who were repeat felony offenders.
“During the camp cleanup operations, 10 subjects have been found to have outstanding warrants. Several of these individuals were identified in their warrants as being armed and dangerous and exhibiting violent tendencies. One subject was wanted out of state for aggravated escape from custody,” the governor’s office said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety will enforce the relocation effort with support from the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas State Guard, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.