A temporary restraining order preventing the clearing of homeless encampments in New Orleans is set to remain in effect until November 4. This decision comes from a Louisiana judge who has halted state officials’ efforts to relocate around 75 individuals living in tents beneath an overpass near the Superdome, coinciding with three Taylor Swift concerts taking place in the city this weekend.
Judge Lori Jupiter issued the order on Friday, instructing state law enforcement not to “destroy or dispose of the property of unhoused people without judicial process.” The ruling also requires officials to inform individuals in the “state sanctioned camp” that they are “free to leave.”
This legal action follows a lawsuit filed by several unhoused individuals challenging the state’s actions. The plaintiffs claimed state troopers violated their constitutional rights by unlawfully searching and destroying their belongings, as well as forcibly moving them. A legal observer reported overhearing state troopers saying, “the governor wants you to move because of the Taylor Swift concert.”
State officials contend that the individuals were being relocated to a nearby site, where others from the tourist-heavy French Quarter would also be moved. Governor Jeff Landry’s spokesperson, Kate Kelly, emphasized the initiative’s focus on addressing homelessness and safety issues, explicitly linking it to the upcoming concerts and February’s Super Bowl in the city. “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,” Kelly stated in a press release.
However, advocates argue that this action disrupted ongoing efforts by local officials to connect unhoused individuals with social services and provide them with more stable housing options. Martha Kegel, executive director of Unity of Greater New Orleans, a non-profit organization aimed at securing permanent housing for unsheltered individuals, expressed her concerns over the sweep’s detrimental impact. She noted that many residents suffer from mental health issues and may distrust authorities. “Some people were frightened and left, and that’s not good,” Kegel remarked. “Because then all the work that we did to assess them and document their disabilities has now been wasted.”
Among those affected was Terrence Cobbins, who shared his experience while packing his belongings. He confirmed he was told to move due to the concerts, questioning, “They ain’t never did it before for other people. Why Taylor Swift?”
