A group of homeless people are filing a class-action lawsuit in San Diego federal court. The lawsuit says city and state crews are illegally taking their stuff. Their attorneys say when clean up crews move through homeless encampments, they take essential items like medication and birth certificates, plus sentimental items that can’t be replaced.
‘The plaintiffs say when they try to retrieve the items later on, there is no record and they can’t get them back. The lawsuit says these actions exacerbate the homeless-crisis and turn poverty into a criminal act. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, the return of the lost property, and compensation. The case’s fate could be affected by the U.S. Supreme Court.
It’s expected to decide later this year how much leeway cities should have when clearing encampments.