NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to reinstate homeless encampment sweeps after previously halting the practice, according to the NY Post.

The decision follows criticism of the administration’s handling of homelessness during a recent stretch of extreme cold, during which 19 people experiencing homelessness died. The reversal marks a shift from Mamdani’s campaign position, when he pledged to end the sweeps, calling them ineffective at moving people into permanent shelter.

The sweeps — carried out under prior administrations, including that of former Mayor Eric Adams — involve city outreach teams notifying individuals living in encampments, returning over several days to offer services and shelter placements before dismantling makeshift structures. Police and sanitation workers are typically present during the operations.

City data show thousands of complaints about street encampments so far this year.

Officials have not formally announced a restart date, but sources indicate the practice could resume this week. The administration has said it remains focused on connecting vulnerable residents with housing and services.