Governor Greg Abbott has launched an operation aimed at improving safety and cleanliness in Austin by relocating homeless individuals and removing encampments from the capital city and state property.
“Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals,” said Governor 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 initiative is being carried out by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with cooperation from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas State Guard, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). According to officials, these efforts have resulted in a cleaner and safer environment in Austin.
As part of the operation, homeless individuals who violate state law or local ordinances will be arrested, and debris from encampments will be cleared. Since its launch late last week, authorities have arrested several individuals on various criminal charges and removed firearms, drug paraphernalia, and encampments from public spaces.
The state reports that since the start of the operation, 48 encampments have been dismantled, more than 3,000 pounds of debris have been cleared, 24 repeat felony offenders have been arrested, and over 125 grams of narcotics have been seized.
During cleanup activities, ten people with outstanding warrants were located. Some were described in their warrants as armed and dangerous with violent tendencies. One individual was wanted out of state for Aggravated Escape from Custody. Of those arrested, 24 were identified as repeat felony offenders.
