Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Gangs turn LA’s homeless camps into squalid ATMs – collecting rent and running open air drug markets
NY Post ^ | 3/01/26 | Jamie Paige

Posted on 03/03/2026 3:34:13 AM PST by Libloather

On Los Angeles streets, tents aren’t just signs of homelessness — they’re where gangs openly deal drugs and collecting rent.

Whether its RV rows choking Compton Boulevard, Skid Row’s packed tent maze or the once-quiet pockets of the Westside, encampments have morphed into open-air drug markets.

This isn’t chaos — it’s control. Gangs blend into the population, hiding in plain sight, running street commerce behind tarps and inside RVs while City Hall looks the other way.

Nowhere is it clearer than Compton Boulevard, where more than 100 RVs sit bumper-to-bumper, windows blacked out. Outreach workers and residents say many are controlled by street crews tied to long-established Compton gangs — used to stash drugs, cook meth and sell straight onto the street.

People living inside those RVs don’t just park there, they pay rent.

“Depending on the area, you’ll see taxing,” former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said.

“Homeless people being pressured to hold drugs or sell for them, and they’re always owing.”

Debt, he said, becomes control.

Villanueva, who is running again for sheriff, said enforcing drug laws and dismantling gang activity in places like Compton was a priority during his tenure, and would be again.

(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Conspiracy; Local News; Outdoors
KEYWORDS: california; californication; crime; drugs; gangs; homeless; rent
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-24 last
To: Libloather

We forget that these people are loaded with money. They all get EBT cards, fraudulent ADC and walking around money from all kinds of sources and don’t pay squat for anything except drugs.


21 posted on 03/03/2026 7:59:31 AM PST by anton
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Libloather

Democrat governance on full display.


22 posted on 03/03/2026 8:21:48 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus….)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Libloather
..enforcing drug laws and dismantling gang activity in places like Compton was a priority during his tenure..

Cause he's done such a splendid job thus far. /s

23 posted on 03/03/2026 8:35:54 AM PST by LouAvul (I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: anton
I think they should put a huge meth lab out in the CA desert and air drop humanitarian rations and drug paraphernalia into the area.

No thanks, those of us living in the various California deserts don't want meth labs and homeless people here.

24 posted on 03/03/2026 12:20:54 PM PST by Inyo-Mono
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-24 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson