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8h ago

State Reports 48 Camps Removed as Austin Begins Three-Week Encampment Surge

City officials describe the push as risk mitigation for wildfire conditions ahead of colder weather.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies to dismantle homeless camps in Austin, according to a news release Tuesday. Austin officials began a similar effort on Monday.
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Governor Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the state of Texas has started a homeless encampment cleanup operation in the city of Austin. (Photo: Office of the Governor)
Governor Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the state of Texas has started a homeless encampment cleanup operation in the city of Austin. (Photo: Office of the Governor)

Overview

  • Gov. Greg Abbott said a DPS-led operation with TxDOT, the Texas State Guard and TDCJ began last week and remains active in Austin.
  • The state reports clearing 48 encampments, hauling more than 3,000 pounds of debris, arresting 24 repeat felony offenders and seizing over 125 grams of narcotics.
  • Video provided by the governor’s office shows DPS troopers making arrests in encampments and Texas State Guard personnel conducting debris cleanup.
  • Austin launched its own three-week surge on Monday, reporting 88 sites checked, 46 cleaned, 59 people contacted, one life saved by APD CPR, multiple service connections and at least one shelter placement.
  • City documents say 12 crews are working across three zones with weekly targets, and general intake at city-owned shelters is paused to staff the operation as Mayor Kirk Watson urges more funding to address displacement.