It’s been just over a month since New Orleans hosted Super Bowl LIX — and while the stadium is quiet again, the controversy surrounding Governor Jeff Landry’s decision to clear homeless encampments near the Caesars Superdome is still stirring debate.
In the weeks before the event, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry ordered the removal of several homeless encampments near the Caesars Superdome. The move drew praise from some residents and backlash from others — especially housing advocates who say it prioritized appearance over real solutions.
Why Were the Encampments Cleared?
Governor Landry’s office stated that the sweeps were conducted for public health and safety reasons, as thousands of visitors were expected to descend on downtown New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Several encampments, including those beneath overpasses near the Superdome and major tourist corridors, were targeted for removal.
The state coordinated with local agencies to carry out the cleanups in the early morning hours in January 2025. Critics quickly responded, saying the action mirrored similar “optics-first” cleanups seen in other cities hosting large events.
Mayor Cantrell’s Office Pushes Back
Mayor LaToya Cantrell objected to the governor’s directive, asking him to reconsider or delay the action. Her office emphasized the need for humane responses and long-term housing strategies, pointing out that the state had not coordinated effectively with city leaders or local housing organizations.
Despite her concerns, the sweep proceeded, further highlighting ongoing tensions between the city’s leadership and the governor’s office — a dynamic we’ve previously covered at Big Easy Magazine.
What Happened to the People Displaced?
While some individuals were offered shelter beds or temporary hotel vouchers, groups like UNITY of Greater New Orleans and other advocacy organizations reported that many unhoused individuals were left without safe alternatives.
“There is no long-term housing solution tied to these sweeps,” said one volunteer from a local nonprofit. “They’re just being shuffled around.”
Shelters in the city were already near or at capacity — and some unhoused individuals simply moved to other areas less visible to tourists and media cameras.
Public Reaction: A City Divided
Online and on the streets, New Orleanians expressed mixed feelings. Some residents supported the sweep, citing safety and sanitation concerns. Others were outraged, viewing the move as inhumane and temporary window dressing.
Local conversations recalled a similar situation in October 2024, when homeless encampments near the Superdome were quietly removed in the days before Taylor Swift’s three-night concert at the Caesars Superdome. At that time, housing advocates also raised alarms about the city prioritizing image over substance, a concern now echoed during the Super Bowl aftermath.
