Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has instructed state departments, including law enforcement, to move homeless individuals before Taylor Swift’s stop on the Eras Tour.
In anticipation of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in New Orleans this coming weekend, Louisiana’s governor has directed several state agencies to relocate homeless individuals residing in or near the areas expected to attract tourists and concert attendees.
Swift is scheduled to perform at the Superdome in New Orleans this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. As part of the preparations for the singer’s three-night performance and Super Bowl LIX in February, Gov. Jeff Landry’s office announced it is “dedicated to presenting New Orleans in its best light for the world to see,” according to YSL News.
This week, reports indicate that displacements of homeless individuals in New Orleans have commenced, with a camp of approximately 75 individuals being moved a few blocks away.
The Louisiana State Police (LSP), in partnership with the state wildlife and transportation departments, indicated that their goal is to “create safer alternatives and reclaim public spaces,” as outlined in a statement emailed to YSL News by LSP Sgt. Kate Stegall.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries appeared to support LSP’s initiative in a message sent to YSL News.
According to Taylor Brazan, spokesperson for the State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, “Under Governor Jeff Landry’s direction, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries seeks to enhance safety in the New Orleans community while enforcing state laws.”
A specialized unit known as Troop NOLA, created by Landry and Colonel Robert Hodges in 2024, will play a role in executing the governor’s directives.
“LSP Troop NOLA’s purpose is to engage with the unhoused population in New Orleans, addressing their needs directly,” stated the LSP in its announcement to YSL News. “This initiative aims to reduce disturbances while tackling safety concerns. It is crucial to recognize that occupying state property is unlawful, and Troopers are devoted to ensuring the safety of both the unhoused individuals and the larger community while preserving public spaces.”
LSP Troop collaborates closely with the New Orleans Police Department and was established to improve “public safety and the quality of life in New Orleans,” according to the police’s official site.
‘We urge cooperation’
Nathaniel Fields, director of the office of homeless services and strategy for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, stated in a Wednesday press event that Landry should halt the displacements and consider alternative solutions, as reported by local news sources.
Fields and other city leaders contended that the state’s actions to clear out the unhoused population impede New Orleans’ ongoing efforts to secure housing for those in need.
“We are urging the governor to refrain from displacing this camp and others,” Fields stated to the Times-Picayune. “We ask that he collaborates with us and joins in partnership rather than contributing to the problem.”
