The city of Los Angeles attacks homeless communities

Latest

Millions of evictions are expected as a result of the pandemic and job loss. Tenants groups have banded together to demand housing as a human right.

 

“I’ve never seen homeless people so harassed!”
These testimonies are from interviews by the advocacy group Services Not Sweeps, in response to brutal encampment sweeps in targeted areas all over L.A. – at a time when people are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Instead of attacking the homeless, shouldn’t the city be guaranteeing safe housing for all? – The Editors

Stephanie: My experience has been horrible. It is extremely difficult to move everything you own in such a short amount of time. I hear about the clean-ups the day before they happen, sometimes one hour before they happen. I’ve watched them throw my clothes away, and my son’s shoes. One time they took his food he had just received the night before. Once we were hounded by five different police departments. I’ve never seen homeless people so harassed every day.

T for Thomas:
I have no vehicle, no way to get to the location to pick up the items that were taken. It was a setup. They (the police) give you a ticket on some BS like smoking a cig on the edge of the grass. They give everyone a ticket and give them all the same court date (the day of the sweep) and then sweep everyone’s possessions away. I was arrested for an outstanding warrant for blocking a sidewalk. So I was in jail for the day of the sweep. People who didn’t have a record now have a record.
Robert: They do one every week for the last year and a quarter. The first one they didn’t give notice, the second one was even worse because they came earlier. I lost a lot of possessions, including my mom’s bible that she gifted me before she passed. Usually the police don’t bother me unless there’s an action taking place, then they act like Roman soldiers. During sweeps we’re made fun of, treated with disrespect, made to feel like shit from the people conducting the sweeps.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Oct. 18 ‘No Kings’ Rallies Could Be ‘Largest Protest in US History’

Millions of Americans and people across the world are preparing to take to the streets Oct. 18 for a second No Kings rally.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

More from the People's Tribune