When Joe Lonsdale, co‑founder of Palantir and a self‑described “billionaire philanthropist,” and his family were allegedly shouted at by a homeless individual in downtown San Francisco, the incident sparked his departure from California and a new focus on homelessness policy.
From his base in Austin, Texas, Lonsdale has launched the Cicero Institute, a think tank and lobbying firm that has already helped pass anti‑camping laws in 16 states. The group now claims a leading role in shaping the Trump administration’s approach to public safety, specifically Executive Order 14321, titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” The order calls for an end to policies that promote housing‑first and harm‑reduction strategies.
State‑level memo campaign
Cicero has circulated memoranda to leaders in 22 states, including Ohio, urging them to align state policy with the executive order. While the memos are not legal documents, they are intended to pressure state officials to adopt stricter enforcement of laws that prohibit open drug use, urban squatting, camping and loitering.
The institute’s policy proposals include statewide bans on camping, extending the maximum period for civil commitments from 72 hours to up to 60 days, limiting the use of hotels as temporary housing, requiring unhoused individuals to register with the state for “homelessness assistance,” and shifting to a “treatment‑first” approach.
Arguments and criticism
Cicero argues that current spending on housing‑first programs has failed to address the root causes of homelessness and that stricter enforcement and arrest can solve the crisis. The organization points to the billions of federal and state dollars spent on these programs as evidence of waste.
Critics counter that housing‑first initiatives have demonstrably reduced veteran homelessness by more than half and that involuntary commitment has a troubling history in the United States. They also note that many unhoused people do not have substance‑use disorders or mental illness, and that low‑barrier shelters, easier access to identification, and medication‑assisted treatment can be more humane and effective.
Local impact and broader debate
While the Cicero Institute’s push is national in scope, its headquarters in Austin places Texas at the center of the debate. State legislators who adopt the proposed bans could see increased law‑enforcement activity and reduced options for unhoused residents seeking shelter.
Supporters of the plan argue that open drug use and encampments threaten public safety and that stronger laws protect families and children in public spaces. Opponents warn that criminalizing homelessness merely moves the problem out of sight without solving underlying issues such as affordable housing shortages and lack of mental‑health services.
The conversation reflects a broader clash between traditional‑family values that prioritize order and safety, and community‑focused approaches that emphasize compassion and long‑term solutions. As the Trump administration continues to promote its “law‑and‑order” agenda, the Cicero Institute’s campaign will likely influence policy discussions in multiple states throughout the coming year.
Original reporting: Matter News (Columbus) — read the source article.
