A judge says Houston can enforce an ordinance that allows it to clear away homeless encampments.
The ACLU had tried to keep the city from enforcing the ban on camping in public places, claiming the ban infringed on the rights of the homeless. But the judge agreed with the city that the camps pose a public health hazard that outweighs concern over any harm the law may cause.
Mayor Sylvester Turner says the decision is a victory in the city's efforts to clean up homeless camps, such as the large one under the I-69 overpass downtown.