ABQ’s response to homeless encampments: the InterACTION team

Homeless encampments have been a source of controversy for cities in recent years — including Albuquerque — and are now an issue before the U.S. Supreme Court.

On April 22, the court heard oral arguments in a case out of Grants Pass, Oregon, that would decide whether banning homeless people from sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. The court is expected to decide the case by the end of June and how it rules is of interest to Albuquerque officials.

After the high-profile closure of an encampment at an Albuquerque park in 2022, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and others sued the city arguing that homeless encampment sweeps were unconstitutional. A judge upheld the lawsuit, and beginning in November 2023, banned the city from seizing or destroying the property of people who are homeless without proper notice, a hearing, or a process to reclaim their items. The only exceptions to the ban are if the property is on school grounds, obstructs streets or poses an immediate safety threat.

Since then, the city has rebranded its outreach unit that responds to reports of illegal camping — the program was started in November 2023 but was just named the InterACTION team. 

The InterACTION team works with city departments that assist those experiencing homelessness, like the Health, Housing & Homelessness Department, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Department and others involved in public safety. 

The city said the unit receives an average of 50 reports of illegal camping each day.

Jodie Esquibel, ACS’ new interim director and deputy director of field response, works with the team. She said the name — InterACTION — is meant to convey to the public that the unit is the first to respond to illegal camping reports and to interact with those experiencing homelessness at encampments. Esquibel’s team conducts welfare checks and provides campers a list of services, including medical, shelter, behavioral health and property storage.

If services aren’t accepted, Esquibel said campers are given a 72-hour notice to vacate the area. If services are accepted, the InterACTION team calls ACS, which provides evaluation and transportation to requested services.

City Desk ABQ wanted to know more about the InterACTION team and what impact the Supreme Court case might have on Albuquerque. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

City Desk ABQ: Is the city monitoring the case before the Supreme Court?

Esquibel: The city remains focused on both connecting people experiencing homelessness to services and shelters, and enforcing our laws to keep our city safe and clean for everyone. We are awaiting the Supreme Court decision on Johnson v. Grants Pass to determine if it will have any direct impact on Albuquerque.

How does the InterACTION team work with those at encampments? 

They offer people services provided by the city and partner organizations including overnight shelters, free meal sites, job search and job training services, housing information, and support information for victims of domestic violence.

How does it differ from ACS?

While ACS does do street outreach, it responds to 911 calls related to homelessness. ACS takes emergency calls for any number of mental and behavioral health issues, like inebriation, addiction, chronic mental illness and suicidal ideation.

Tell us more about your background. 

From my early days in volunteer EMS (emergency medical services) in rural New Mexico to my roles as a flight paramedic and search and rescue paramedic, I’ve strived to make a difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. 

Co-founding the Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) program, which now operates under the New Mexico State Police Special Operations Teams via [University of New Mexico Hospital], has been a pinnacle of my career. It allowed me to provide advanced life support services across the state.

Now as I transition into my role at ACS, I feel as if all my work leading up to this role has prepared me to continue to serve my hometown with passion and dedication.

More information about ACS is here.