Governor Greg Abbott has announced a new operation aimed at improving safety and cleanliness in Austin by relocating homeless individuals and removing encampments from the 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 operation is being led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas State Guard, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The coordinated effort has resulted in the removal of encampments and debris, as well as arrests for various criminal offenses.
According to the governor’s office, since the operation began late last week, authorities have removed 48 encampments and over 3,000 pounds of debris. Law enforcement has arrested 24 individuals identified as repeat felony offenders and seized more than 125 grams of narcotics. Ten individuals with outstanding warrants were also located during the cleanup operations. Some of those arrested were described in their warrants as armed, dangerous, or having violent tendencies. One individual was wanted out of state for aggravated escape from custody.
Governor Abbott emphasized that these actions are intended to improve public safety for both residents and visitors in Austin.
