Zohran Mamdani confirmed Wednesday that New York City will resume clearing homeless encampments after at least 19 residents died outdoors during a historic stretch of freezing temperatures.

Earlier this winter, Mamdani had criticized sweeps designed to move homeless individuals out of encampments and into shelter, arguing the focus should be on long-term housing solutions rather than enforcement. In January, he stated that without connecting homeless New Yorkers to permanent housing, city actions could not be considered successful.

Since January 23, the city has intermittently operated under Code Blue conditions, a designation triggered by extreme cold that requires agencies to take extraordinary measures to protect individuals from exposure. Mamdani acknowledged the prior policy should not have been in effect during prolonged Code Blue periods.

“We knew that that is a policy that we would only deliver on once the prolonged Code Blue came to an end, because, as we know, in a Code Blue, the focus should be on getting homeless New Yorkers inside, not on the question of how we respond to structures,” he said.

The Department of Homeless Services will now lead renewed enforcement efforts.

While it remains unclear whether the 19 deaths can be directly attributed to the city’s earlier stance, critics had warned that suspending sweeps during severe winter weather would carry serious consequences. Republican City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov argued in January that the policy would leave vulnerable individuals exposed rather than ensuring access to housing and mental health treatment.

City Council Speaker Julie Menin also said the fatalities reflect systemic gaps in outreach, shelter capacity, and follow-up services.

At the same time, advocacy groups including the Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless criticized the decision to reinstate sweeps, calling prior enforcement efforts ineffective and accusing the administration of breaking campaign commitments.

The policy shift underscores the political and humanitarian tensions surrounding how New York City addresses homelessness amid extreme weather and strained public resources.