Washington, DC Cleans Homeless Encampments in Just One Week

Recent footage shows the U.S. capital swiftly removing homeless encampments within a week, prompting some Californians to consider Washington, DC, as a top destination for relocations.

In Los Angeles, the issue of tent encampments has persisted for nearly two decades. The problem escalated after city officials settled a lawsuit in 2007 with the American Civil Liberties Union, agreeing to stop enforcement of laws prohibiting sitting or sleeping on sidewalks. Over time, multiple legal decisions led to widespread homeless encampments across sidewalks, freeways, parks, beaches, and other public spaces.

One ongoing lawsuit against Los Angeles over failure to provide shelter for the homeless in downtown has been ongoing for six years.

Rapid Action in DC

Washington, DC, took a different approach. After giving residents just a day’s notice, authorities used bulldozers and trash trucks to quickly clear over 40 encampments within a week.

In contrast, California’s process requires assessments and outreach before any removal. The state’s Department of Transportation states rapid clearance is only permitted when the encampment poses an immediate threat—such as unstable structures or risk to traffic. Otherwise, assessors must conduct evaluations involving outreach to social services and health officials before any cleanup begins.

Policy and Challenges

DC’s quick cleanup strategy involves posting notices at key points, followed by coordinated removal operations after 48 hours, with property collection and storage for at least two months. Items deemed hazardous, such as chemicals, weapons, or infested materials, are not included in storage requirements.

California’s more cautious approach, shaped by decades of permissive policies, has resulted in a rise in homelessness despite billions spent on housing and services. The homeless population in LA County increased from approximately 44,000 in 2015 to over 72,000 in 2025.

Despite efforts, the state’s response remains controversial, and critics argue that California’s policies perpetuate the problem, unlike the decisive actions now seen in Washington, DC.