By Constitution Staff

On September 17, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) had completed its work concerning the cleanup homeless encampments in Tulsa. “OHP completed its work in Tulsa under Operation SAFE. They completed this work with the most courtesy and professionalism,” said Governor Stitt. “In 14 days, OHP cleared 64 sites and disposed of 1.97 million pounds of debris. Now, it is up to Mayor Nichols and Tulsa officials to ensure state and local laws are enforced and camps are not reestablished. OHP will continue to monitor state property and will return to enforce state law if necessary.”

These camps, many which existed for years, were often located along highway rights-of-way or beneath overpasses, creating severe hazard for the public and homeless individuals alike. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) coordinated the remediation, clearing, and clean-up efforts. OHP and ODOT are continuing to coordinate with local agencies to provide safe housing and treatment options for individuals at these encampments. Governor Stitt emphasized that while the state took action on state-owned land, long-term safety and maintenance on city property remains the responsibility of city leadership.

Governor Stitt announced the launch of Operation SAFE (Swift Action for Families Everywhere) on September 4. The operation was launched to restore order and safety to Tulsa by clearing homeless encampments, trash, and criminal activity from state-owned property inside the city.

Governor Stitt made clear that while the state was stepping up to fulfill its duty, the long-term responsibility for city property rests with the City of Tulsa’s elected leadership. Governor Stitt had numerous conversations with Mayor Nichols in weeks prior to the operation, encouraging the city to gain control of the situation, but progress had fallen short of Tulsa 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,” said Governor Stitt. “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.”

Within the 24 hours, OHP began issuing warnings to homeless individuals and ODOT began posting notices at encampments on state property to vacate and cease. Under the Governor’s direction, State Troopers offered homeless individuals two clear options: A ride to a treatment or housing facility. Or a ride to jail and face prosecution if they refuse help and continue breaking the law.

The OHP has the legal authority to target state-owned property including underpasses, highways, state buildings, and other state-controlled land. Senate Bill 1854, passed in the 2024 legislative session and signed by Governor Stitt, banned unauthorized camping on state-owned properties. Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and, if convicted, will either be fined $50 or spend 15 days in the county jail. For a first offense, the violator has the option to be transported by police to a shelter or food pantry. If they comply, they will not be given a citation.

OHP and ODOT worked with various agencies committed to helping individuals transition to safer, alternative living arrangements. If OHP encountered illegal immigrants during the operation, they were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings.

While Operation SAFE in Tulsa is over, Governor Stitt said the initiative could come to other communities across the state.