A notice of illegal camping is posted on the fence above a highway as RVs and tents line the street at an encampment of unhoused people in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 31, 2025.
Eli Imadali / OPB
The impact of Portland’s newly enforced homeless camping ban is coming into focus.
In the first five days of enforcement, officers issued seven citations to people for violating the policy. While visiting encampments to issue warnings about the new policy, officers also arrested 40 people for other criminal charges and outstanding warrants.
They warned about 80 people violating the camping ban charges, but did not issue a citation. It’s not immediately clear why some people were issued a warning and others were cited.
The policy prohibits people from camping in a tent or a vehicle on public property, unless there is no “reasonable” shelter available. Mayor Keith Wilson directed police to begin enforcing the rule on Nov. 1, since there are some vacancies in the city’s nighttime-only shelters.
Those who receive a citation for violating this policy may face a fine of up to $100 or up to seven days in jail. They must first appear in court on the date indicated on their citation. If they miss that date, a warrant may be issued for their arrest.
In all, officers and city outreach workers visited 57 campsites across Portland to enforce and inform people about the new rule. According to the city, 39 people living outside agreed to move into an overnight shelter during these visits.
In a media statement, Wilson said he was proud of this outcome.
“We’re leading with compassion and lifesaving shelter, and focusing on the safety, sanitation, and accessibility of our public spaces,” he said. “Pursuing open warrants is an important part of this strategy. For some, it’s an opportunity to resolve the issues keeping them on the streets, while others must be held accountable for preying on our community.”
