San Jose Homeless Face Unequal Treatment, Arrests in City Sweeps

Outreach and housing support vary based on location, raising concerns about equitable access to resources

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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San Jose's approach to addressing homelessness appears to differ significantly based on the location of encampments. While the city is prioritizing outreach and temporary housing offers for larger camps like the Jungle, residents of smaller encampments near The Plant shopping center report being overlooked and even subjected to arrests during police sweeps. This uneven access to support and the potential for increased vulnerability among those in less visible areas is raising concerns about equitable treatment of the city's homeless population.

Why it matters

The differing treatment of homeless encampments highlights issues of fairness and access to resources. Residents in less visible or prioritized areas may face greater challenges in connecting with outreach services and securing temporary or permanent housing. This could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and undermine the city's efforts to address homelessness in a comprehensive and equitable manner.

The details

San Jose is preparing to clear the Jungle encampment, which houses around 100 people, with promises of housing. However, homeless individuals near The Plant shopping center in South San Jose have experienced a different reality, facing police sweeps and a lack of housing offers. Mario Nogueras, a homeless resident near The Plant, reported being arrested for trespassing during a sweep, with police not allowing him to take his insulin medication. He also lost his phone, hindering his ability to connect with a shelter hotline. The city's Neighborhood Quality of Life unit, formed to address encampments and enforce a policy of citing and arresting individuals who repeatedly refuse shelter offers, has been the subject of concerns about equitable treatment.

  • In December 2014, authorities closed the original Jungle encampment, demolishing it and fencing it off after it was considered one of the largest homeless camps in the United States.
  • On January 15, Mario Nogueras was arrested for trespassing during a sweep by the Neighborhood Quality of Life team.

The players

Mario Nogueras

A homeless resident near The Plant shopping center in South San Jose who reported being arrested for trespassing during a police sweep and losing his insulin medication and phone.

Jackie Nogueras

Mario Nogueras' sister, who was also detained by police during the January sweep and described the experience as traumatizing.

Sarah Fields

Spokesperson for the San Jose Housing Department, who stated that outreach workers are not sent to the railway near The Plant because it falls under the jurisdiction of Union Pacific Railroad.

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose, whose office deferred questions about the Neighborhood Quality of Life unit's operations to the San Jose Police Department.

Neighborhood Quality of Life unit

A unit formed by the San Jose City Council to address homeless encampments and enforce the mayor's policy of citing and arresting individuals who repeatedly refuse shelter offers.

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What they’re saying

“It really sucks, because it's like, where do I go? Where's the help?”

— Mario Nogueras, Homeless resident (newsy-today.com)

“It was traumatizing.”

— Jackie Nogueras, Mario Nogueras' sister (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The San Jose City Council will need to address the concerns raised about the uneven treatment of homeless encampments and the potential for increased vulnerability among those living in less visible or prioritized locations. Oversight and accountability measures may be necessary to ensure equitable access to resources and support for all of the city's unhoused residents.

The takeaway

San Jose's approach to addressing homelessness appears to be marked by disparities in the provision of outreach, housing support, and enforcement actions. This raises concerns about the city's ability to provide comprehensive and equitable assistance to its homeless population, and highlights the need for a more consistent and compassionate approach that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals experiencing homelessness.