LA Democrat backs homeless encampment ban near schools: 'Kids are afraid to walk to school'

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Los Angeles Democratic councilman Joe Buscaino on homeless crisis: 'Kids should not be subjected to this'

Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss how the homeless crisis is affecting children in the community and how he is working to protect families. 

One Los Angeles Democratic city councilman is sounding the alarm on the city's homeless crisis, ultimately defending the charge to ban encampments near schools in the name of public safety. 

Joe Buscaino, who is a former police officer, joined "Fox & Friends First" Tuesday to discuss his response to those outraged over the measure, and why restoring law and order is essential in safeguarding local communities. 

"I don't know if they're activists or enablers," Buscaino told co-host Todd Piro. "These activists want an apartment for everyone, and this is why we've been the welcoming mat for homelessness here in Los Angeles. Come to L.A., pitch a tent and hang out here, shoot up drugs while we're waiting to build an apartment for you."

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"This is not the path forward," he continued. 

The Los Angeles city council voted to ban encampments within 500 feet of schools and daycare centers, but this vote was met with backlash from some activists. 

Los Angeles, CA - March 17: Tents and belongings at a homeless encampment in Toriumi Plaza at 1st St and Judge John Aiso St in Los Angeles Thursday, March 17, 2022.   (Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

Buscaino defended the legislation on "Dr. Phil" last week, explaining that kids have to "step over needles, human waste," and deal with people exhibiting "psychotic behavior" on their trek to class. 

"No child in America should be afraid to walk to school, and what we have found in Los Angeles [is] kids are afraid to walk to school," he warned. "They tell their parents they have to step over needles, human waste, and deal with individuals unfortunately suffering from psychotic behavior - right next to their playground area."

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Despite the backlash, Buscaino argued restoring law and order is a pertinent step in reviving safety and mitigating the housing crisis across Los Angeles. 

"We have to push back against lawlessness and chaos and use the tools necessary to get people into interim housing," Buscaino said. "And we owe it not only to those suffering from mental illness and drug addiction, but also our kids, our businesses, and our residents in Los Angeles."

Homeless encampments block the street on an overpass of the Hollywood freeway in Los Angeles. Results released Thursday from a recent count revealed a slight increase in homelessness in Los Angeles County. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

"We have a model that is proven and the rest of the city should follow here," he continued. 

The number of homeless in Los Angeles County increased over the past two years, with a 12% jump in 2020 alone. 

However, Buscaino mentioned the issue at hand is more complex than securing adequate space for those who need it in local shelters. 

"Last night, hundreds of beds went unavailable in Los Angeles," he said. "So it's this is not only here in Los Angeles a housing issue, this is an issue dealing with drug abuse as well as mental health, but at the same time, our students and kids should not be subject to this."

Fox News' Alexander Hall contributed to this report.