TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Union Pacific began clearing a homeless encampment known as “Tent City” near downtown Tyler Tuesday morning, removing shipping containers and settlements from railroad property under the Beckham Bridge.
The railroad company brought in a bulldozer to clear the wooded area where a homeless community had been living for an extended period. Tyler police were on standby during the operation but were not conducting the clearing themselves.
Union Pacific released a statement about the cleanup, saying in part: “Individuals at this encampment were warned twice over the past month to remove their property and relocate. Despite efforts to keep our tracks clear and safe, unlawful encampments are set up on our property, which are not only illegal, but are unsafe for trespassers and the community at large.”
Residents of the encampment were given about two weeks notice before clearing began, according to Tyler police. During that time, the city’s homeless resource officers worked to connect people with services and help them find alternative housing.
The encampment housed a significant number of people, with an estimated 10 to 12 people seen leaving the wooded area as clearing operations began. Many residents had established permanent settlements with fences and structures, storing their belongings in shipping containers.
Tyler Animal Control was also present to microchip pets belonging to people living in the encampment.
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