In a surprising turn of events, a Louisiana judge has temporarily halted the City of New Orleans’ efforts to clear out homeless encampments just days before pop superstar Taylor Swift’s trio of sold-out concerts at the Superdome. The shows, set to draw a staggering 150,000 fans to the iconic venue this weekend, have seemingly prompted officials to take aggressive action against the city’s unhoused population.
Judge Lori Jupiter granted a temporary restraining order on Friday, effectively blocking state law enforcement from “destroying or disposing of the property of unhoused people without judicial process.” The order also mandates that officials notify those living in the “state-sanctioned camp” that they are “free to leave.” This legal protection for the homeless will remain in effect until November 4th.
Lawsuit Alleges Constitutional Violations
The judge’s ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the unhoused individuals targeted by the sweep. Their legal team argues that state troopers violated their constitutional rights through illegal searches, seizures, and destruction of property. The suit also claims that the homeless were “forcibly herded” away from their encampments.
According to the lawsuit, a legal observer overheard state troopers saying “the governor wants you to move because of the Taylor Swift concert”.
Officials Claim Relocation Efforts Tied to Major Events
State officials maintain that the approximately 75 people living in tents beneath an overpass near the Superdome were being moved to a new location just two blocks away. They assert that unhoused individuals from the tourist-heavy French Quarter would also be relocated to this new site.
A spokesperson for the governor, Jeff Landry, stated that the relocation effort was meant to address homelessness and safety issues, linking the push to not only the Taylor Swift concerts but also the upcoming Super Bowl set to take place in the city next February.
“As we prepare for the city to host Taylor Swift and Super Bowl LIX, we are committed to ensuring New Orleans puts its best foot forward when on the world stage,” said Kate Kelly, Landry’s communications director.
Advocates Argue Sweep Disrupts Housing Solutions
Homeless advocates argue that the sudden sweep needlessly disrupted ongoing efforts by local officials to connect the unhoused with social services and more permanent housing solutions. They point out that many of those living in the encampments struggle with mental illness and distrust authorities, making abrupt relocation even more challenging.
“Some people were frightened and left, and that’s not good,” said Martha Kegel, executive director of Unity of Greater New Orleans, a non-profit focused on finding permanent housing for the unsheltered. “Because then all the work that we did to assess them and document their disabilities and, you know, work with them on their housing plan has now been wasted.”
As one displaced individual, Terrence Cobbins, gathered his belongings to make the mandated move, he questioned why this sweep was happening now, when it never had for other events. “They ain’t never did it before for other people,” he remarked. “Why Taylor Swift?”
The temporary restraining order has provided a brief reprieve for New Orleans’ homeless population, but with the clock ticking down to Swift’s sold-out performances, the long-term fate of those living in the encampments remains uncertain. As the city grapples with balancing the needs of its unhoused residents with the demands of hosting major events, this legal battle serves as a poignant reminder of the complex challenges surrounding homelessness in America.
