Governor Greg Abbott has announced a new operation aimed at improving safety and cleanliness in Austin by relocating homeless individuals and clearing encampments on state property and around the city.
“Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals,” Governor Abbott said. “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 led by the Texas Department of Public Safety, working with the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas State Guard, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The effort has resulted in arrests and the removal of encampments, firearms, drug paraphernalia, and debris from public areas in Austin.
Homeless individuals found violating state law or local ordinances are subject to arrest, and their encampments are being cleared. Since the operation began late last week, authorities have removed 48 encampments and over 3,000 pounds of debris. Law enforcement has arrested 24 repeat felony offenders and seized more than 125 grams of narcotics.
During the cleanup, ten people with outstanding warrants were identified. Several of these individuals were described in their warrants as armed and dangerous with violent tendencies. One person was wanted out of state for aggravated escape from custody.
