In a move designed to address the visible increase in homelessness and associated disorder on state-owned properties within Tulsa, Governor Kevin Stitt has initiated Operation SAFE (Swift Action for Families Everywhere), a campaign that involves clearing homeless encampments, cleaning up accumulated trash, and cracking down on unlawful activities, according to an official statement released on the Oklahoma Governor's Office website. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) gained the green light to execute these actions on state land, including underpasses and highways while Governor Stitt emphasized in his announcement the necessity for Tulsa’s city officials to shoulder their share of the long-term maintenance of city properties.
With Governor Stitt's expressed disappointment at the local leadership's insufficient measures to safeguard neighborhoods, he said, “Tulsa is a beautiful city; I lived there for years but today, everybody can see the disaster it’s turning into— homeless people on every corner, trash piling up, and Oklahoma families are being forced to live in fear,” this remark comes in context with his acknowledgment of multiple discussions with Mayor Nichols which have not yet yielded results that align with the expectations of Tulsa residents, for cleaner and safer community spaces. Within the past day, the OHP, as reported, has started informing the homeless about the enforcement, while the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is actively posting eviction notices at affected sites, all of which operates under the legal powers granted by 64 O.S. § 1097, as reported by the Oklahoma Governor's Office.
Operation SAFE not only focuses on the removal of the encampments but also on offering assistance to the displaced; the state troopers are providing those affected with options inclusive of transportation to housing or treatment facilities or, for those who refuse and continue to contravene the law, face potential prosecution and jail time, as evident in the dual-choice approach endorsed by the Governor. In instances where illegal immigrants are encountered, they will be referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for potential deportation proceedings. The broad effort also includes partnerships with agencies aimed at ensuring accessible paths to alternative, safer living arrangements, as noted by the Oklahoma Governor's Office.
Endorsement for Governor Stitt’s initiative has surfaced from the local business sector; Bill Knight, Chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, affirmed backing for the operation, stating "Tulsa’s business community supports leadership that prioritizes the safety of those who live and work within our city and region," he values the governor’s steps towards enforcing the law and recognizes the contribution such efforts offer to the enhancement of the area’s quality of life, such commentary reflects the community’s stance as they navigate the complex issues surrounding homelessness and public safety, as stated by the Oklahoma Governor's Office.
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