Judge blocks further New Orleans homeless encampment testimony ahead of Taylor Swift concerts

A judge in Louisiana has temporarily blocked further efforts by state officials to a clean up homeless camps in New Orleans — blocking a push that came before the three Taylor Swift concerts in town this weekend.

The effort to move about 75 people living in tents under an overpass near the Superdome began in the days leading up to the pop star’s shows, which could draw 150,000 visitors to the stadium.

Judge Lori Jupiter issued a temporary restraining order on Friday, directing state officials not to “destroy or dispose of homeless persons’ property without due process” and to notify people in the “state-sanctioned encampment” that they are “free to leave “. .”

The order is in effect until November 4.

The judge’s decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by homeless people who were subjected to the screening. In legal filings, they claimed state troopers violated their constitutional rights by searching, seizing and destroying their property, removing their prized possessions and “forcibly bringing them in.”

According to the lawsuit, a legal observer heard state troopers say “the governor wants you to move because of the Taylor Swift concert.”

State officials said residents have been moved to a new location about two blocks away, where homeless people living in the tourist-heavy French Quarter neighborhood will also be moved.

A spokesman for Gov. Jeff Landry said the effort was meant to address homelessness and safety issues, linking the push to the February concerts. Super Bowlwhich will take place in the city.

“As we prepare for the city to host Taylor Swift and Super Bowl LIX, we are committed to ensuring that New Orleans puts its best foot forward on the world stage,” said Landry’s Director of Communications Kate Kelly , in a statement sent to local media. .

Advocates say the effort has disrupted local officials’ work to connect homeless people with social services and help them find more permanent housing solutions.

Martha Kegel, executive director of Unity of Greater New Orleans, a nonprofit organization that seeks permanent housing for homeless people, said the sweep was an unnecessary and harmful effort, and that many of those at the camp have mental illnesses and are distrustful of authorities and in those who try. to help them.

“Some people got scared and left, and that’s not good,” she said. “Because then all the work we’ve done to assess and document their disabilities and, you know, work with them on their housing plan has now been wasted.”

Among those who made the move Wednesday was Terrence Cobbins. Taking a break from gathering his belongings, he said he was told to move because of the concerts.

“They’ve never done it before for other people,” he said. “Why Taylor Swift?”

___ Kate Payne is a member of the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a national nonprofit program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercover issues.