Texas Gov. Abbott cracks down on homeless encampments
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Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that he ordered state troopers to raze homeless encampments around Austin.
Why it matters: The move fits into a broader narrative from the White House on down about the state of public safety in American cities.
What they're saying: "Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals," Abbott said.
- "Weapons, needles, and other debris should not litter the streets of our community. ... I directed state agencies to address this risk and make Austin safer and cleaner for residents and visitors to live, travel, and conduct business."
By the numbers: Abbott said that since the operation began late last week, state officials removed 48 encampments and more than 3,000 pounds of debris — and had arrested 24 "repeat felony offenders," per a news release.
- The operation also involved members of the Texas State Guard.
Yes, but: Austin launched its own clean-up operation on Monday — clearing 46 encampment sites in an initiative that will last through Nov. 8.
- The initiative is meant "to connect people with resources and shelter before severe weather arrives," per a memo from Austin homeless strategies director David Gray to Austin city council members.
- An aide to a high-ranking Austin official who wasn't authorized to speak publicly tells Axios the city was not consulted by the governor's office ahead of the state operation. Abbott's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Between the lines: In 2024, for the first time in five years, the number of people newly experiencing homelessness declined, per the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition's 2025 State of the System report, released earlier this month.
- "It's hard to not appreciate some state resources being put into helping," Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement regarding Abbott' order.
- "I do worry about where people will end up, where the next encampment will be. My hope is that this exercise will demonstrate the value of providing funding resources as assistance for addressing this humanitarian crisis in the state capital."
Zoom out: President Trump's mobilization of the National Guard in Washington D.C. over the summer included removing homeless encampments.
- Separately, he issued an executive order to combat homelessness that encourages local governments to revive civil commitment, a process to place people with mental health issues in treatment facilities without their consent.