AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) – Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday, Oct 21, an operation to make Austin safer and cleaner by relocating homeless individuals.
Gov. Abbott also stated that the operation involves removing encampments in and around the capital city and on state property.
The operation began late last week, according to Gov. Abbott.
“Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals,” said Gov. 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.”
The operation is led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) alongside the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas State Guard and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
Gov. Abbott states that homeless individuals violating state law or local ordinances will be arrested and debris created by homeless encampments will be removed.
Since the operation began late last week, the State of Texas has:
Removed 48 encampmentsRemoved over 3,000 pounds of debrisArrested 24 repeat felony offendersSeized over 125 grams of narcotics
In addition, ten 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. Additionally, 24 of the subjects arrested were identified as repeat felony offenders,” according to Gov. Abbott.
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