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Homeless Camp Clearings Halted in New Orleans
A Louisiana judge has blocked Governor Jeff Landry’s efforts to clear homeless camps near the Superdome, where Taylor Swift concerts are scheduled this weekend.
Landry had ordered state police to remove the camps, citing safety concerns for the upcoming events. However, homeless camp residents sued, alleging their civil rights were violated and their property was destroyed.
The lawsuit claimed that state officials cleared the camps without providing adequate notice or offering alternative shelter. They also alleged that their belongings, including medical supplies and identification cards, were confiscated.
Judge Lori Jupiter issued a restraining order barring Landry from continuing the clearings in the same manner. State officers must now give 24 hours’ notice before removing camps and cannot destroy residents’ property.
Landry responded by blaming the city of New Orleans for the situation, claiming it had received federal funds to address homelessness but had failed to do so. He threatened to take further action if the city did not address the issue.