News Summary
The Shreveport Police Department has detained nine individuals for illegally occupying vacant homes as part of a new initiative aimed at tackling the rising issue of squatting. Following the enactment of a new ordinance, law enforcement has enhanced tools to address unauthorized occupancy. As complaints about squatters surge, the arrests signify a proactive effort by local authorities to maintain neighborhood safety and integrity. The initiative coincides with ongoing concerns about blight and property neglect within the community, emphasizing a commitment to improving conditions in Shreveport.
Shreveport Police Arrest Nine Individuals Following New Ordinance Targeting Squatters
The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) has arrested nine individuals for illegally occupying vacant homes. These arrests were made between May 15 and May 18, 2025, as part of a targeted initiative to address the growing issue of squatting in the city. The arrests come shortly after the local city council enacted a new ordinance, which went into effect on April 3, 2025, aimed at curbing the problem of unauthorized occupancy.
The new ordinance provides law enforcement with enhanced tools to confront squatting issues head-on, building on previous efforts to maintain the safety and integrity of neighborhoods within Shreveport. This initiative is part of a broader operation known as “Operation ASK BLUE,” which stands for Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably – Bold Legal Unified Efforts. The SPD’s proactive approach appears necessary, given that the department received over 300 calls concerning squatters from January 2024 to March 2025, with nearly 40% of these complaints stemming specifically from the Highland area of Shreveport.
Squatting incidents, which have become an increasing concern for property owners and local authorities, have been associated with various criminal activities, including theft, burglary, unauthorized entry, trespassing, property damage, drug-related activity, armed threats, and even fires. One significant case involved a homeowner who returned from vacation to find extensive damages to their property, believed to have been caused by squatters. The estimated damages were around $7,000, including the dismantling of the home’s security system and clear evidence indicating someone had been living inside.
Moreover, police officials are treating some of these incidents as burglaries of inhabited dwellings rather than straightforward violations of the new squatters ordinance. This distinction is crucial, as the ordinance specifically applies to unoccupied homes. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 20 squatters have been arrested in the Highland neighborhood alone, reflecting a growing commitment by local law enforcement to address the squatting crisis.
Additional Concerns and Responses
Local officials are also voicing increased concerns regarding the squatting problem and its relationship to blight in the community. Caddo Parish Commissioner John-Paul Young has emphasized the need for stronger measures, suggesting that property owners of blighted houses should face penalties for neglecting their responsibilities. Young has been critical of city leadership in their handling of the ongoing squatting issue, arguing that more aggressive action is required to mitigate the effects of blighted properties on neighborhoods.
The city previously took legal action against Amar Shreveport Holdings LLC for failing to maintain their blighted properties. Under current regulations, maintaining a blighted property can result in penalties, which include fines of up to $500 and/or a maximum of 30 days of imprisonment for each violation. These penalties are intended to incentivize property owners to take action and thereby help alleviate the squatting problem.
City’s Approach to Blight and Squatting
Despite the criticisms from local leaders, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux maintains that the current approach to managing blight and squatting is effective and appropriate. The mayor supports utilizing Environmental Court measures for addressing these issues rather than pursuing criminal prosecutions. This strategic focus aims to balance property owner rights with community safety, reflecting an ongoing commitment to improving neighborhood conditions in Shreveport.
As the city moves forward, monitoring the impact of the new ordinance and related initiatives will be key in determining their effectiveness in resolving the squatting crisis and enhancing overall community well-being.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: 9 People Arrested as Part of New Shreveport Ordinance Cracking Down on Squatting
- WV News: Shreveport Homeowners Say Squatters Moved in While They Were Gone
- KTBS: 2 Squatters Found in Vacant House Arrested
- KTAL: Shreveport Property Standards Code Changes May be Game Changer for Squatters
- Wikipedia: Squatting
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
