A Louisiana judge has temporarily halted efforts by state officials to clear homeless encampments in New Orleans, coinciding with three Taylor Swift concerts scheduled for this weekend.
The initiative aimed to relocate around 75 individuals living in tents under an overpass near the Superdome and was launched just days before the pop star’s performances, expected to attract about 150,000 visitors. Judge Lori Jupiter issued a temporary restraining order on Friday, preventing state law enforcement from destroying or disposing of the belongings of unhoused individuals without judicial oversight. The order also instructed officials to inform those in the designated area that they are free to leav1e, remaining in effect until November 4.
This ruling followed a lawsuit from the homeless individuals impacted by the planned sweep, alleging that their constitutional rights were violated through illegal searches and the destruction of their property. The lawsuit claimed that state troopers forcibly moved people and disregarded their possessions, with a legal observer reporting that officials mentioned the governor’s push for relocation due to the upcoming concert.
State representatives have asserted that the relocations were intended to address safety and homelessness issues in light of the concerts and the Super Bowl, which will be hosted in the city in February.
However, advocates argue that these actions disrupted ongoing efforts to connect homeless individuals with necessary social services and housing solutions, with concerns that the rush to clear the encampments could exacerbate the vulnerabilities of those affected.
Peoplesmind
