Fears Escalate Over Potential Federal Crackdown on Homelessness Ahead of LA 2028 Olympics

Local officials and homelessness advocates are voicing increasing alarm over the possibility of severe federal intervention targeting unhoused individuals in Los Angeles, particularly as the city prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games. Concerns are mounting that the federal government could implement drastic measures, including the forced relocation of homeless people to designated detention facilities.

Reports indicate a heightened federal focus on homelessness, with recent actions in Washington, D.C., sparking fears of similar strategies being deployed in Los Angeles. A White House spokesperson recently stated that D.C. police and federal agents are clearing encampments, offering shelter options while also imposing fines or jail time for non-compliance. The administration is reportedly exploring methods to move unhoused individuals far from the capital, raising questions about potential plans for LA.

Experts and local leaders are expressing grave concerns. Gary Blasi, a professor emeritus at UCLA School of Law, warned that it would be ‘irrational not to worry about a worst-case scenario’ during the Games, where federal troops might compel vulnerable populations into ‘detention centers somewhere out of sight.’ Supervisor Janice Hahn condemned such federalization of local law enforcement as actions typical of ‘tyrants,’ emphasizing the need for resources to house people, not punitive measures.

While Los Angeles city and county officials, including Mayor Karen Bass, have reaffirmed their commitment to humane, housing-first solutions, the looming federal stance casts a shadow. Bass’s ‘Inside Safe’ program, for instance, offers voluntary housing and services without penalties. However, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors acknowledges that encampments near Olympic venues ‘will need to be addressed’ for security, creating a potential clash of approaches. The financial strain on state and local budgets for homeless services further complicates efforts to maintain a humane response.

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