Code Switch How Trump's D.C. takeover criminalizes homelessness
Aug 20, 2025
Jesse Rabinowitz, the Campaign and Communications Director at the National Homelessness Law Center, joins Alex Vitale, a sociology professor and policing expert. They tackle the criminalization of homelessness, highlighting the troubling narrative surrounding D.C.’s homeless population. The discussion includes the harms of heavy police presence and effective alternatives like the Housing First model. They also delve into the implications of federal policies fueling urban decline and systemic disparities that exacerbate homelessness and public safety. It's an eye-opening conversation about compassion versus criminalization.
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Grants Pass Litigation And Ruling
- Grants Pass, Oregon criminalized sleeping outside and fined people for tiny encampments, forcing some into jail for nonpayment.
- The Supreme Court later ruled cities may punish people for living on the street, backing that crackdown.
Visible Homelessness Used To Justify Federal Takeover
- President Trump federalized law enforcement in D.C. claiming rampant crime and promised crackdowns on homelessness.
- The administration framed visible homelessness as evidence of lawlessness to justify federal intervention.
On-the-Ground Evictions In D.C.
- Jesse Rabinowitz witnessed federal agents and local police clearing tents and trashing belongings near Georgetown overnight.
- He described a large, aggressive police caravan and said people received no help during evictions.
