'This is a state law' | Gov. Abbott discusses state homeless cleanup operation in Austin, signals shift to other Texas cities

AUSTIN, Texas — We are learning new details about what state crews are doing to clear homeless camps in Austin. Last week, crews from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas State Guard, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice began cleaning up homeless camps within the City of Austin.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott spoke to reporters on Friday afternoon after he voted in next month’s election in Austin.

Abbott said the operation is about making Austin safe and clean. He said this is about a state law and he plans to extend it across the entire state, signaling that other Texas cities could be next.

“There are some communities that are stepping up and addressing the problem proactively, and that's what we want to see,” Abbott said. “As long as communities address this problem