(IMAGN) Alex Hoxie of Brockton, right, who gives aid to the city's homeless people, hands out supplies under the Crescent Street Bridge on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
FREMONT, CA – The California Homeless Union has filed a lawsuit against the City of Fremont, challenging its recently implemented camping ban in public spaces. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of homeless residents and faith communities, alleges the city’s policy is unconstitutional and seeks an injunction to halt its enforcement.
The legal action stems from a policy approved by Fremont city leaders in February, which initially included a provision that would have made “aiding” or “abetting” homeless encampments a misdemeanor. However, following significant public backlash, the city removed the “aiding and abetting” language on Tuesday, according to reports.
The lawsuit argues that the city’s camping ban subjects involuntarily homeless individuals to “immediate criminal persecution.” Advocates describe the policy as “unconscionable” and are seeking a court judgment declaring it unconstitutional.
A spokesperson for the City of Fremont declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Fremont’s camping ban is part of a broader trend among California cities strengthening restrictions on homeless encampments. This trend has been fueled in part by a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted cities greater authority to enforce such bans. The issue of homelessness has become increasingly politicized in California, with state leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, facing criticism over the growing number of encampments.
