During last Tuesday, the municipality of Querétaro removed two camps of homeless individuals located in the Historic Center and Josefa Vergara delegations, reported the capital mayor, Felipe Fernando Macías.
The first camp was removed by Public Safety and Public Services personnel in the La Cruz neighborhood, following reports from neighbors stating that individuals were causing disturbances and even exhibiting negative behaviors. In this regard, the mayor expressed: "What I ask of citizens here is to report these complaints when any person in this situation is causing disturbances, exhibiting aggressive behaviors, or disturbing public order."
Since the beginning of his administration, Macías Olvera announced a strategy to remove more than 500 homeless individuals. He pointed out that the second camp was removed near Pasteur Avenue by personnel from the Josefa Vergara delegation and called on citizens to report the presence of homeless individuals exhibiting risky behaviors for their removal or, if necessary, to refer them to civic courts for disturbing public order.
The mayor explained that the strategy involves inviting these individuals to municipal shelters to provide them with reintegration options, denying that they would be forcibly relocated. In the case of individuals with mental conditions or addiction, efforts will be made to refer them to health institutions or rehabilitation centers, with which the municipality will create agreements.
Since December, at least 20 individuals have been referred to rehabilitation centers for addictions after being taken to civic courts for repeated administrative offenses. Macías Olvera also mentioned another issue of security perception, such as graffiti, ensuring that reports are addressed daily with the Public Services crews assigned to tackle this problem.
