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2w ago

Federal Forces Press Homeless Encampment Sweeps in Washington

D.C. officials have taken the emergency decree to court to contest the scope of federal policing authority

Items belonging to the homeless are removed from a tent encampment under an expressway and put in a garbage truck, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, where people who are homeless had been living in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
District of Columbia National Guard soldiers patrol on the National Mall, Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Washington. The U.S. Capitol is seen in the distance. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
George M., who has been living at a tent encampment, packs up before a 10 a.m. deadline, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Ms. Jay, of Washington, who lost her job and is living what she calls her "Girl Scout life" while saving money by urban camping and looking for work while homeless, carries her belongings across Pennsylvania Avenue near Georgetown, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Washington, after packing her tent after being warned by an aid organization that homeless encampments are being removed. "Last night was so scary," says Ms. Jay, "I don't want to be the one to wait until the last moment and then have to rush out." (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Overview

  • Federal agents and National Guard units have begun clearing homeless encampments in areas including Washington Circle and Foggy Bottom under a Trump emergency order
  • Lawyers from the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless and city notices extending eviction deadlines led federal teams to pause removals during nighttime operations
  • Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed lawsuits arguing that the federal emergency declaration oversteps local policing authority
  • Advocates warn that roughly 900 people sleeping outdoors face displacement with fewer than 50 shelter beds currently available
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned of fines or prosecution for refusals to vacate and said transportation to shelters and services would be offered