AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that an operation was underway in Austin to remove homeless encampments in and around the city.
Abbott said the state began the operation late last week and had so far removed 48 encampments and over 3,000 pounds of debris, arrested 24 repeat felony offenders and seized over 125 grams of narcotics.
The governor also said that during the cleanup operations, ten people were found to have outstanding warrants.
“Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals,” said Abbott in a news release. “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 says the operation has led to a “cleaner, safer Austin” and was led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).