Trump Administration Begins Controversial Relocation of DC Homeless as Federal Takeover Intensifies
Trump Administration Begins Controversial Relocation of DC Homeless as Federal Takeover Intensifies
The Trump administration has commenced a controversial initiative to clear homeless encampments in Washington, D.C., as part of a broader federal takeover of policing in the nation’s capital. President Donald Trump announced plans to move homeless individuals “far from the city,” a move that has drawn immediate criticism from local officials and advocacy groups.
The exact details of the relocation plan remain unclear, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that federal and local agencies would enforce existing laws, offering homeless individuals options for shelter and services. Those who refuse could face fines or jail time. The U.S. Park Police have already removed 70 encampments in the past five months, with only two remaining in district parks as of recently, slated for removal this week.
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials have voiced strong opposition, making additional shelter space available and increasing outreach efforts. City Administrator Kevin Donahue confirmed a building capable of housing up to 200 people is prepared. Mayor Bowser described Trump’s perception of the city as “dirty” due to encampments as a trigger for his actions, emphasizing that “being homeless isn’t a crime” and advocating for solutions to root causes rather than punitive measures.
The 2025 “point-in-time” count recorded 5,138 homeless adults and children in D.C., a 9% decrease from the previous year. Residents and advocates expressed concern over the federal presence, arguing that it escalates tensions and lacks community ties compared to local police. Many emphasized that crime rates have been declining in recent years, questioning the necessity and methods of the federal intervention.
Significant questions persist regarding the specific agents tasked with these removals, the provision of housing and services in new locations, and the constitutional legality of forcibly relocating individuals. The ongoing operation has left many homeless individuals in fear and anxiety about their immediate future.
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