A Louisiana judge has temporarily blocked state officials’ attempts to dismantle homeless camps in New Orleans, which were originally scheduled to take place in connection with three Taylor Swift concerts in the city. Judge Lori Jupiter issued the order, which prohibits law enforcement from taking or depriving residents of their belongings without following the proper procedures.
The state had been moving roughly 75 people residing in tents under an overpass near the Superdome, which is expected to see an influx of around 150,000 visitors for Swift’s concerts. This clearance push, which started days before the shows, was intended to relocate these individuals to a new designated area about two blocks away, where other unhoused people from the French Quarter would also be moved.
The restraining order was issued in response to a lawsuit brought by the people impacted by the sweep, and it is in effect until November 4. They claimed in their lawsuit that state police had violated their rights by forcibly removing them from the location and searching and seizing their possessions without following the proper procedures.
According to the lawsuit, one legal observer reported overhearing officers say that the governor wanted the homeless moved “because of the Taylor Swift concert.” The residents stated that their property, including personal and cherished items, was unfairly disposed of during the relocation.
State officials justified the effort by citing broader safety and homelessness concerns, particularly as New Orleans prepares for large-scale events like Swift’s concerts and the Super Bowl in February. Governor Jeff Landry’s office confirmed the connection, saying, “As we prepare for Taylor Swift and Super Bowl LIX, we want New Orleans to put its best foot forward on the world stage.”
However, the state’s action has drawn criticism from advocates for the homeless community who claim it hampered local initiatives to offer sustained support. They noted that moving these people interfered with long-standing social services that were meant to link them to housing options and mental health care.
Martha Kegel, executive director of Unity of Greater New Orleans, expressed concern, saying the sweep was “needless and harmful.” She noted that many people in the camp have mental health issues and are wary of authorities, meaning the displacement makes it even harder for outreach workers to support them.
Many people ran away in fear, Kegel continued, undermining earlier attempts to identify their needs, record their infirmities, and collaborate with them on housing arrangements. This interruption halts development and wastes funds that have already been allocated to aiding the camp’s occupants, she clarified.
Terrence Cobbins, a local, expressed his annoyance by remarking that he and other residents were expressly asked to relocate for the performances. He remarked, “They ain’t never did it before for other people,” raising the question of why the Taylor Swift incident led to this measure.
The judge’s temporary order provides some relief for the camp’s residents, at least until early November, allowing local social services more time to work with those who need support and perhaps preventing additional relocations driven by the city’s event preparations.
