TULSA, Okla. — Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Operation SAFE is complete after two weeks.
Operation SAFE was an initiative to remove homeless encampments from state property in Tulsa.
The move came with pushback from local non-profits and officials who say they were already bettering the homelessness problem in a respectful way.
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Officials react to Governor Stitt's "Operation SAFE"
Proponents of the mission said the homeless issue was making neighbors feel unsafe and hurting business in the city.
WATCH: Gov. Stitt says Operation SAFE is complete in Tulsa
Stitt said Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers cleared 64 sites and disposed of 1.97 million pounds of belongings and trash.
- Previous coverage >>> 'Where are we going to go?' Homeless react to Operation SAFE
"OHP completed its work in Tulsa under Operation SAFE. They completed this work with the most courtesy and professionalism," said Stitt. "In 14 days, OHP cleared 64 sites and disposed of 1.97 million pounds of debris. Now, it is up to Mayor Nichols and Tulsa officials to ensure state and local laws are enforced and camps are not reestablished. OHP will continue to monitor state property and will return to enforce state law if necessary."
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols was among those criticizing the governor's move:
"We knew it was going to cause some issues regarding where people were gonna go," Tulsa Day Center CEO Mack Haltom told 2 News on Sept. 17.
Haltom said the aforementioned trash isn't what the public should think of.
"There's distrust that takes place," he said. "Folks that are unhoused or people that see this, they see law enforcement. They don't see if it's OHP or Tulsa police, or maybe an outreach team. Once trust is built, something like this can tear that trust down. So we'll have to rebuild that trust."
City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma also reflected critically on the impact of the operation:
"What we have seen in recent weeks underscores why places like City Lights Village are vital. Tulsa needs real, tangible pathways to move people into safe, stable, and affordable housing. This crisis can only be addressed effectively through collaboration and sustainable solutions. We have walked alongside this community for 12 years, and we know moving people when there is nowhere for them to go is not a solution. We must have concrete plans in place and work together to bring lasting change. Right now, case workers throughout the city are working tirelessly to replace essential documents and critical items necessary to move people into housing. Even in the midst of these challenges, our outreach workers remain a steady, reliable presence—continuing the vital work of building trust, offering support, and helping our unhoused neighbors take meaningful steps toward stability."
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