New Orleans homeless encampment sweeps temporarily halted
Oct 25, 2024
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Three Louisiana agencies have been ordered to stop conducting sweeps of the unhoused community ahead of the Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans.
On Friday, Oct. 25, a temporary restraining order was signed by New Orleans Judge Lori Jupiter of the Orleans Civil District Court, to stop sweeps done by the Louisiana State Police, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Department of Transportation and Development.
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The lawsuit was filed by two unhoused people and states that agents have been "taking or destroying property including tents, medication, ID cards, and food stamp cards, and forcing residents into one small area - called "needle alley."
Read full lawsuit
The order reads:
Agencies may not "destroy or dispose of the property of unhoused people without judicial process" and must provide at least 24 hours notice before conducting any further sweeps.
During a recent sweep, a legal observer said they overheard a state trooper say “The Governor wants you to move because of the Taylor Swift concert.”
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"These residents have constitutional rights and it is troubling that Governor Landry callously violated those rights to make a political statement," said Attorney David Lanser of Most & Associates.
City of New Orleans officials stated that the sweeps disrupt the work to provide housing. Councilwoman Lesli Harris says “Residents were set to be housed in a matter of weeks.”
“Americans have constitutional rights, whether they live in a mansion or a tent. We are glad that Judge Jupiter paused the State's lawless actions," said Attorney William Most of Most & Associates.
A further hearing is set for Nov. 4.
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