Homeless advocates protest new limited hours at Albuquerque park

Tiffany Leger organized a sit-in at Robinson Park in Albuquerque to fight new city rules. Demonstrators gathered to demand protections for unhoused people facing limited access to public green spaces. Dozens of advocates and homeless residents gathered on World Homeless Day. They openly defied the operating schedule set by local leaders.

The city changed the park schedule to limited, odd hours. Officials stated the goal is to restore the area from overuse and drug activity. Many attendees called the move an attack against vulnerable residents.

U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Alex Uballez attended the demonstration. He criticized the schedule changes during the gathering.

“It doesn’t make sense to close a park for an hour here and an hour there throughout the day, unless you mean to harass the people who are living there and using them,” Uballez said.

Leger founded the Albuquerque Homeless Union. She organized the event to demand equal treatment.

“You know, we are still individuals, we are still humans. We deserve to be treated just like everybody else,” Leger said.

Two weeks ago, Parks and Rec staff walked through the grounds checking trash during the first closure hour. Albuquerque police officers then cleared people out one hour later. The demonstration began at 2 p.m. when the grounds closed.

Officers stayed away during the afternoon event. APD monitored the crowd from a distance, according to Rebecca Atkins, deputy director of communications and marketing for APD.

“APD was monitoring the demonstration as the department does with any events taking place in Albuquerque to ensure overall safety. In these situations, officers often maintain a discreet distance to avoid escalating tensions or creating unnecessary conflict with demonstrators,” Atkins said.

The police department noted that officers enforce rules across all municipal sites. Police patrol Robinson Park and target crimes like drug use and trafficking during off hours.

Supporters described the clearing of unhoused people as painful to watch. Attendee Mama Zeigh spoke out against the sweeps.

“What if a family came for a picnic? What if a family came for a picnic? Are they gonna run them out? No, the families are gonna come here because what of the homeless, these people are not dangerous. If you notice and you come during the week, they’re just sitting around in the shade,” Zeigh said.

Public parks serve as shared recreational grounds within Albuquerque neighborhoods. Local police departments routinely monitor city facilities during posted operational closures.

Organizers also collected shoes and clothing donations for homeless people. People gathered peacefully throughout the afternoon.