Abbott said unhoused individuals who violate state law or local ordinances will be arrested, and debris from encampments will be cleared.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced a new state-led effort to relocate unhoused people and remove encampments around Austin.
“Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals,” Abbott said in a statement. “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.”
The operation is being carried out by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas State Guard and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice(TDCJ).
Abbott said individuals experiencing homelessness who violate state law or local ordinances will be arrested, and debris from encampments will be cleared.
Since the initiative began last week, state officials have removed 48 encampments, collected more than 3,000 pounds of debris, arrested 24 repeat felony offenders and seized about 125 grams of narcotics, according to the governor’s office.
Officials also located 10 people with outstanding warrants, several of whom Abbott described as “armed and dangerous and exhibiting violent tendencies.” One person was wanted out of state for aggravated escape from custody, according to Abbott’s office.