On July 24, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order (EO) entitled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets” that threatens the safety and civil rights of people with mental health or substance use disorders and directly calls on states to arrest and institutionalize people experiencing homelessness, among other provisions. The Administration clarified its intent in a fact sheet published alongside the EO.
Like many of the Executive Orders and policy announcements from the Administration, these provisions are alarming, but vaguely worded, appear to go against current federal law, and conflict with other stated policy goals. This fact sheet outlines the EO’s main provisions and discusses some initial implications while also acknowledging legal uncertainties and the need for more information.
