A new lawsuit is challenging New York City’s policy of homeless encampment sweeps - a practice in which city workers clear out encampment areas and discard people’s belongings.

The lawsuit, filed by the Urban Justice Center, claims these sweeps displace people and make it harder for them to recover.

“These sweeps are just ultimately a counterproductive and harmful practice,” said Natalie Druce, staff attorney with the Urban Justice Center.

The federal lawsuit represents six individual plaintiffs and potentially thousands of homeless New Yorkers, arguing that these sweeps have caused significant harm.

“There are two particularly egregious aspects... the forced displacement of homeless people from sites where they have sought shelter and the unlawful seizure and destruction of personal items, ” said Druce. “We had one plaintiff who had the ashes of a deceased family member taken in a sweep."

One of the plaintiffs, Eduardo Ventura, says he has lost critical items multiple times during these sweeps. “I lost my alien card, driver’s permit, Medicaid card, even clothing and a laptop,” Ventura explained. “They just throw it in the trash in front of us, no notice, no chance to get it back.”

Advocates say the practice of encampment sweeps has existed since 2015 under the de Blasio administration and typically involves multiple city agencies, including the Department of Sanitation. Druce argues that sweeps not only harm individuals but also make it more challenging for them to secure housing. “Sweeps are not a productive way of addressing homelessness. We know the most effective solution to homelessness is permanent and affordable housing,” she said.

In response, City Hall defended its approach, stating, “There is nothing dignified about being forced to sleep on the streets.” A city spokesperson explained that the sweeps are designed to connect people with housing and other essential services, noting that over 2,000 formerly homeless individuals have been placed in permanent housing through city outreach efforts.

Ventura shared a message for New Yorkers who may encounter homeless individuals: “If you see someone outside in the street, instead of recording them, just leave them alone, because the city really is not helping us.”

The case is still in its early stages. According to sources close to the city, the city’s Law Department will review the lawsuit before making any further comments.