President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday authorizing cities and states to remove homeless individuals from the streets and relocate them to treatment centers, as part of his "Make America Safe Again" campaign.
The measure, titled Ending Vagrancy and Restoring Safety, instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to reverse court rulings and legal agreements that have previously limited the ability of local authorities to act against urban encampments and homeless individuals, reported the network FOX News.
It also provides for the redirection of federal funds towards rehabilitation, treatment, and reintegration programs for those who are removed.
"Trump is fulfilling his commitment to make America safe again," stated White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
However, many critics warned of the dangers of criminalizing poverty, while Trump himself stated that he had seen people sleeping outside the White House doors, asserting, "I think it's terrible and we will remove them immediately."
The order directs Bondi to work closely with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; the Secretary of Housing, Scott Turner; and the Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to prioritize federal grants to states and municipalities that implement regulations against drug use in public spaces, “urban camping,” and illegal occupancy of properties.
In addition, it prohibits federal funds allocated for addiction prevention and treatment programs from financing drug injection centers or supervised consumption practices.
According to the executive order, in the last year of President Joe Biden's term, more than 274,000 people were homeless in the streets of the United States on a single night, the highest number recorded to date.
A report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development released in January revealed that homelessness increased by 18% between 2023 and 2024, an unprecedented rise attributed to the economic crisis, the surge in the cost of living, and the lack of structural solutions.
Trump had already anticipated this measure in March when he promised to "clean up" American cities, including Washington D.C., where he assured that there would be no more violent crimes.
"We are going to have a crime-free capital. It will be cleaner, better, and safer than ever," he said.
Although the full content of the order is still being analyzed by legislators and civil rights advocates, it has already sparked mixed reactions.
While some sectors celebrate it as a step towards the "restoration of public order," human rights organizations warn about the risks of criminalizing poverty and homelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Executive Order and the Situation of Homeless People in the U.S.
What does Trump's executive order on homeless individuals entail?
The executive order signed by Trump authorizes cities and states to remove homeless individuals from the streets and transfer them to treatment centers. This measure is part of his "Make America Safe Again" campaign and aims to redirect federal funds towards rehabilitation and reintegration programs for these individuals.
What are the criticisms of Trump's measure regarding homelessness?
Human rights organizations have warned that the measure could lead to the criminalization of poverty and homelessness. While some sectors view it as a step towards restoring public order, others fear that it may violate the rights of the most vulnerable individuals.
How does this order relate to Trump's immigration policies?
The executive order concerning homeless individuals is part of a broader context of Trump’s hardline policies. These include stringent measures against irregular migration and an intensification of deportations, reflecting an overall approach to security and social control.
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