The National Park Service remove a homeless encampment in McPherson Square in Washington, DC.
On February 15, 2023, at the request of the DC government, the National Park Service cleared a homeless encampment in McPherson Square in Washington, DC.
  • The Supreme Court overturned a Ninth Circuit ruling restricting the removal of homeless encampments.
  • Governments can now bar people from sleeping on the street, even when shelter beds aren't available.
  • Homeless rights advocates argue that criminalizing homelessness won't solve the issue.

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that it's constitutional for local governments to make it illegal to sleep in public places, even when there isn't sufficient shelter space.