Texarkana police remove homeless encampment after receiving complaints, residents conflicted

Yahoo

a day ago

TEXARKANA (KTAL/KMSS) – Torn reactions from community members after departments in Texarkana, Arkansas, announced a project to clean up a street that some residents had labeled a nuisance.
Following numerous complaints about littering, vandalism, and loose animals, the city of Texarkana's public works, street, animal control, and police departments addressed the issues on the 1000 block of Prince Street. The area is a known homeless encampment.
Bringing in excavators and clean-up teams, the city took on the job and shared an update on Facebook, where the community's reactions were divided. Some residents expressed gratitude for the cleanup, while others were disappointed, questioning if tearing down the space was morally correct.
One comment noted, 'These were people's homes, the only place most of them had. This is so cruel. Why not help them or take them to a place you people are willing to let them live?'
On the other end, some believe that taking action is the best way to assist. 'If we keep people who are homeless from setting up encampments on other people's property, you eventually force them to seek help.'
The post for the city gathering over 300 comments from locals taking a side on the matter.
People living at the encampment were notified of resources within Texarkana and the surrounding area for assistance.
One arrest was made for a person who had an outstanding warrant.
The city says the operation was part of the College Hill Rejuvenation project started in January 2025.
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