Key Takeaways:
– The Louisiana State Police have been ordered to halt their sweeping of homeless encampments in New Orleans.
– The order came from an Orleans Parish Judge, Lori Jupiter, after two residents filed a lawsuit.
– The suit alleged constitutional rights violations through illegal search and seizure of property by state troopers.
– State sweeps began ahead of Taylor Swift’s weekend concerts in the city, aiming to clear the areas.
– City officials warn the sweeps are counterproductive to their efforts to combat homelessness.
Article:
In a turn of events, an Orleans Parish Judge has called a timeout on the Louisiana State Police’s sweeps of homeless encampments in New Orleans. The action comes after two individuals who were living in these encampments took legal action against the State Police and two other agencies.
Judge Calls for a Pause
Judge Lori Jupiter signed off on the temporary restraining order following a lawsuit filed by Raymond Scott and Amanda Alfred. They alleged that state troopers infringed upon their constitutional rights by unlawfully searching and taking their property. The order will stay in effect until the 4th of November.
Attorney William Most, who is representing the homeless residents, voiced his support for this decision. He asserted that the constitutional rights of individuals apply regardless if they live in mansions or tents.
Details of the Sweeps
The sweeps started on Wednesday in anticipation of the weekend concerts by Taylor Swift at the Superdome. Scott repairs bicycles for a living and during the sweeps, he ended up losing three bikes and tools worth about $1,500. Alfred too faced similar circumstances. During another wave of sweeps, officers informed Alfred that she would not be allowed to return to her corner even after the concerts conclude.
Troop NOLA’s Role
Troop NOLA, a contingent of state troopers in the city, spearheaded the homeless sweeps. The Governor Jeff Landry directed Troop NOLA to conduct these activities despite opposition from the city. The city officials have no operational agreement with Troop NOLA, thus have no control over the unit’s actions within the city limits.
A bystander at one of the sweeps quoted officers saying that the Governor wanted the encampments cleared for the Taylor Swift concert. Swift is performing in the city from Friday through Sunday, attracting a large number of visitors to New Orleans.
City Governments Stance Against the Sweeps
Local authorities earlier asserted that such sweeps do not help in their federal-funded initiatives to fight against homelessness and finding housing for these individuals.
Witnesses alleging the state’s misconduct include Alison Poort, chief of staff to city councilmember Lesli Harris.
Violation of City Law
The lawsuit also mentions Troop NOLA bypassing a city law. This law necessitates a 24-hour advance notice to clear homeless camps, but some individuals were notified less than 30 minutes prior to the operation.
In response, the state police spokesperson Sgt. Kate Stegall mentioned that they are reviewing the signed TRO with their legal team and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.
Effects of the Sweeps on the Homeless
Councilmember Lesli Harris said her office is collaborating with local and nonprofit agencies to ensure affected individuals from the sweeps obtain basic services, shelter, and medical care. The individuals affected reported that their personal belongings, including IDs, prescription medicine, clothes, and even family memorabilia were illegally discarded during the process.
Wrapping up, this restraining order presents a significant legal win, temporarily preventing the state’s described ‘inhumane actions’.