Overview

• A federal judge halted Berkeley’s sweep of a homeless encampment at 8th and Harrison streets after crews cleared the site Wednesday morning.
• Unhoused residents report being awoken by police shouting and smoke, given as little as an hour’s notice before being forced to leave.
• Officials confiscated personal belongings and tents without clear justification and provided no on-site mental health support.
• The Berkeley Homeless Union secured an emergency hearing by arguing the city failed to meet legal notice requirements prior to a planned injunction case.
• All further removals are paused until a June 10 court hearing determines whether to extend the temporary order.