New York City Resumes Homeless Encampment Sweeps

Mayor Mamdani promises a more 'humane' approach to clearing makeshift camps

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced the city will resume clearing homeless encampments, saying his administration will take a more compassionate approach than the previous mayor's policy. Mamdani paused the encampment sweeps after taking office in January, but has now restarted the practice amid concerns over recent deaths of homeless individuals during extreme cold weather.

Why it matters

The decision to resume encampment sweeps is an early test for the new Mamdani administration, as the city grapples with how to address homelessness and provide adequate shelter and services. Critics argue the sweeps will erode trust between outreach workers and the homeless population, potentially leading to more deaths during extreme weather events.

The details

Under the new approach, the city will first post notices that an encampment will be cleared, then send homeless outreach workers to the site daily for a week to connect people with social services. On the seventh day, city sanitation workers will dismantle the encampment, with police present only as observers. This differs from the previous administration's policy, which was led by police and sanitation crews.

  • On January 1, 2026, Mayor Mamdani took office and initially paused the encampment sweep policy.
  • In recent days, at least 19 people have died outside in New York City during a brutal cold snap.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who has announced the resumption of homeless encampment sweeps with a new 'more humane' approach.

Eric Adams

The previous mayor of New York City, who touted sweeps of makeshift homeless encampments as a key part of his efforts to restore order in the city.

David Giffen

The executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless, who criticized Mamdani's new policy as a 'political response' that will erode trust between outreach workers and the homeless population.

Julie Menin

The New York City Council Speaker, who called Mamdani's move 'an important step forward' and said protecting lives must be the top priority.

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What they’re saying

“We will meet them looking to connect them with shelter, looking to them with services, looking to connect them with a city that wants them to be sheltered and indoors and warm and safe. And that is something that I believe will yield far better results.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (usnews.com)

“When a city worker shows up and throws out all your belongings, you're not going to trust that person the next time they show up offering you a place to sleep inside.”

— David Giffen, Executive Director, Coalition for the Homeless (usnews.com)

“Allowing New Yorkers to stay on the street during extreme weather is inhumane. Protecting lives must remain our top priority.”

— Julie Menin, New York City Council Speaker (usnews.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.