Operation to clear Tulsa homeless encampments launched by Gov. Stitt, Mayor Nichols responds

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the launch of Operation SAFE (Swift Action for Families Everywhere), which he said is aimed at restoring order and safety in Tulsa by clearing homeless encampments, trash and criminal activity from state-owned property.

Stitt said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has authority over state-owned property, including underpasses, highways, state buildings and other state-controlled land.

Gov. Stitt says Tulsa is turning into a 'disaster'

In recent weeks, Stitt said he has spoken with Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols multiple times, urging the city to take control of the situation. He said that progress has fallen short of residents’ expectations.

“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,” Stitt said. “This is the city’s job, but Mayor Nichols and Tulsa leadership haven’t met the level of action needed to keep neighborhoods safe. Oklahoma is going to step in to do our part and clean it up. Once we’ve done so, it’ll be on the city to keep Tulsa clean and safe. If they refuse, then we’ll be forced to take further action to protect Tulsans.”

Stitt said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol began issuing warnings to homeless individuals in Tulsa within the last 24 hours. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation also began posting notices at encampments ordering occupants to vacate in accordance with state law.

The governor’s office said many of the encampments are along highway rights-of-way or beneath overpasses, posing hazards to both the public and unhoused residents. Stitt also said that if OHP encounters undocumented immigrants, they will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings.

Under the governor’s directive, state troopers are offering homeless individuals two options: a ride to a treatment or housing facility, or a ride to jail if they refuse assistance and continue breaking the law.

Tulsa Chamber supports the Governor's plan to clear encampments

Bill Knight, chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, voiced support for the governor’s plan.

“Tulsa’s business community supports leadership that prioritizes the safety of those who live and work within our city and region,” Knight said. “We appreciate the governor’s actions to enforce the laws and bolster Tulsa's pursuit to enhance quality of life. This initiative complements the ongoing efforts by various Tulsa entities, reinforcing our collective commitment to addressing complex issues like homelessness and public safety.”

Tulsa Mayor responds to Gov. Stitt's initiative: 'I will not be distracted'

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols responded to this new initiative, saying,

"First of all, Kevin Stitt has shown himself again to be an unserious person. When I took office, I inherited a homelessness crisis largely unaddressed by anyone in public office, including our two-term governor, who disbanded the interagency council on homelessness, which had a crippling impact on service providers, leading to what we have today. Instead of spending my time engaging in activities that won't reduce homelessness, I have created the Safe Move Initiative, which aims to get hundreds of people off the streets for good, rather than simply shifting the problem elsewhere. We have a goal to end homelessness by 2030, and we're on the pathway to doing that. I'm going to continue doing the job I was elected to do, and I am not interested in being lectured by someone who has proven time and time again that he only cares to intervene to score political points.

"As background on two separate areas, crime is down in all categories, and homelessness, which grew by over 20% the year before I took office, grew by only 4% this year. We have a long way to go, but we are making progress and will continue to do so. I will not be distracted or deterred from doing what we know is necessary to end this crisis in Tulsa."