Authorities Clear Homeless Encampment Inside LA Storm Drain

Disturbing scene reveals makeshift living spaces carved out in dangerous underground tunnel

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:51am

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City crews removed another homeless encampment from a storm drain tunnel in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, the latest in a string of such operations as the city struggles to address its homelessness crisis. The interior of the tunnel was found to be thick with debris, trash, and human waste, turning the storm system into an unsafe and unsanitary shelter.

Why it matters

The clearing of these hidden homeless encampments in storm drains highlights the dire conditions many unhoused individuals face in Los Angeles, as well as the challenges the city continues to grapple with in providing adequate housing and services. Neighbors have long complained about the public safety and health issues stemming from these underground settlements.

The details

Rangers with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority safely removed the occupants from the storm drain tunnel, which was accessed through a manhole entrance on the sidewalk near the Los Angeles River and Bassett Street. Officials said many unhoused residents they encounter decline city services and later return to abandoned drains, digging deeper rather than seeking help.

  • On March 26, 2026, city crews cleared the homeless encampment from the storm drain tunnel in Canoga Park.
  • Just days prior, another recent operation was conducted in a similar underground encampment site in South Los Angeles.

The players

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

A government agency that manages parks and natural areas in the Los Angeles region, including responding to issues related to homelessness in these areas.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who launched the $1.3 billion Homekey initiative to purchase and renovate hotels, motels, and dorms for the unhoused population in Los Angeles.

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What’s next

The city continues to grapple with its homelessness crisis, with plans to use over $2.6 billion in funding to purchase and renovate properties for temporary and permanent housing solutions.

The takeaway

The clearing of homeless encampments from dangerous underground storm drain tunnels in Los Angeles underscores the urgent need for the city to provide more comprehensive housing and support services to address the root causes of homelessness and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents.