Earlier today, police officers, working alongside the Anaheim HALO team, conducted directed enforcement and engagement focused on ongoing quality-of-life concerns in our community, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
During this effort, the police officers made contact with 21 unhoused individuals.
Thirteen of the transients were arrested for various offenses. The other eight were redirected to shelters, detox, or other services in place of prosecution.
These operations are not solely about enforcement. They are about finding the right response for each situation, balancing accountability with compassion. When possible, the APD’s goal is to connect people with help, not just handcuffs.
The APD is partnered closely with The Mariposa Center to provide outreach, support, and pathways toward stability. Learn more about their work at mariposacenter.org.
The APD offers thanks to Lyons Security Service, Inc. and Anaheim Public Works for helping to secure the transients’ belongings for safekeeping.
Homeless Sweeps and Arrests in Orange County over the Past Six Months
In the past six months (late 2025 to early 2026), several Orange County cities and the county government have significantly increased enforcement following the passage of stricter local ordinances.
The following cities and areas have conducted documented “sweeps” or enforcement operations since July 2025:
Anaheim
- Enforcement Actions: Conducted a major directed engagement and enforcement operation on January 13, 2026 [Source Content].
- Arrest Total: 13 individuals were arrested for various offenses [Source Content].
- Other Outcomes: 21 individuals were contacted; 8 were redirected to shelters or detox services instead of prosecution [Source Content].
Santa Ana
- Enforcement Actions: Reported a citywide sweep around December 20, 2025, targeting individuals in public areas and flood control channels.
- Arrest Total: 86 transients were arrested during this citywide operation.
- Ongoing Operations: Previous actions in October 2024–2025 targeted railroad encampments, resulting in multiple arrests for warrants and narcotics violations.
Newport Beach (Santa Ana River Marsh)
- Enforcement Actions: A multi-agency cleanup occurred on December 10, 2025, at the Santa Ana River Marsh. This was the first major operation under the county’s new anti-camping ordinance.
- Arrest Total: 34 arrests were made, primarily for parole or probation violations.
- Cleanup Stats: Crews removed 62 tons of trash and 400 lbs of human waste.
Costa Mesa
- Enforcement Actions: A coordinated cleanup and outreach operation took place in August 2025 at Talbert Park following a rise in unlawful encampments.
- Arrest Total: 15 arrests were made.
- Annual Context: Between October 2024 and October 2025, Costa Mesa saw a 50% increase in homelessness-related arrests, rising from 82 to 123 during that month-over-month comparison.
Orange County (Unincorporated/County Property)
- Enforcement Actions: In November 2025, the O.C. Board of Supervisors passed a new policy allowing immediate arrest and fines for camping on county-owned land, parks, and flood control channels.
- Penalties: Suspects can now face misdemeanor charges carrying up to six months in jail or $1,000 in fines.
Penalties Faced by the Suspects
In 2026, suspects arrested during Anaheim Police Department (APD) quality-of-life enforcement operations can expect penalties based on a strengthened set of local ordinances and a shifted legal landscape following the Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling.
Suspects arrested for “quality-of-life” offenses in Anaheim face the following potential penalties and outcomes:
Criminal Penalties
- Misdemeanor Charges: Under 2026 city ordinances, it is a crime to lie down or sleep on public sidewalks, medians, or benches. These violations are generally prosecuted as misdemeanors, which can carry penalties of jail time and fines.
- Monetary Fines: Violators of city codes related to public property use may receive citations with escalating fines:
- First Offense: $250.
- Subsequent Offenses: Fines increase per citation within a 12-month period, reaching up to $403 for a sixth or further offense.
- Late Penalties: Unpaid fines may double after 30 days.
- Increased Enforcement Power: Following 2024–2025 legal changes, Anaheim officers can now arrest or cite individuals for sleeping in public spaces even if no alternative shelter is available.
Diversion and Alternatives
- Service-Based Diversion: In many cases, including those highlighted by the APD, individuals may be redirected to shelters, detox facilities, or mental health services in lieu of prosecution.
- Court-Led Choices: Suspects with multiple law enforcement encounters may be presented with a choice by a judge: accept city-provided services (such as those from The Mariposa Center) or face the legal consequences of their charges.
Ancillary Consequences
- Arrest Warrants: Missing a court date for a “quality-of-life” citation often leads to the issuance of a bench warrant, which can disqualify individuals from certain housing or treatment programs in 2026.
- Property Removal: During enforcement, belongings may be secured for safekeeping by Anaheim Public Works or private security partners
For more information on the APD’s approach to these issues, you can review their Addressing Homelessness portal.