felixtm / Depositphotos.com
City of Fargo crews cleared abandoned homeless encampments along the Red River north of the First Avenue bridge Tuesday. Workers removed tents, bicycles, toys, and other items from the area. City Administrator Brenda Derrig explained the cleanup targeted only “abandoned” camps, while compliant occupied camps remained untouched. The clearing was possible due to recent warm weather drying up snow. This follows a similar operation in October 2024. In September 2024, Fargo passed an ordinance banning camping on city property, with temporary exceptions due to shelter shortages. The full ban was recently delayed until the end of April, when the winter warming program concludes. Local homeless people were frustrated with the city’s actions–one homeless individual insinuated the local government would rather push the issue out of sight than create sustainable housing solutions. Homeless individuals believe the housing solutions are inadequate and the support system employees are doing their best, but are overwhelmed.
Comments