Governor Kevin Stitt says a new initiative is cleaning up homeless encampments on state land in Tulsa, but local leaders argue the effort undermines long-term solutions.

What is Operation SAFE?

Gov. Stitt launched Operation SAFE — Swift Action for Families Everywhere — to remove homeless encampments and debris from state-owned property. The initiative began Friday, when Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews and state troopers cleared 21 camps in Tulsa.

Crews reported hauling away more than 206,000 pounds of trash, hazardous waste and stolen materials. The state has not yet released progress numbers from Saturday’s work.

Why supporters back the plan

Stitt says Operation SAFE is about restoring public safety and keeping state land free of dangerous debris.

The Tulsa County Republ

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