Atlanta's Controversial Plan to Clear Homelessness Ahead of FIFA World Cup Sparks Fear of Arrests and Community Backlash

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A plan to address homelessness in downtown Atlanta ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has raised concerns about potential police encounters and arrests, according to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney. The initiative, known as "Downtown Rising," aims to provide housing for 400 unsheltered individuals by the end of 2025, but advocates worry that the city's approach could lead to increased arrests, particularly for those refusing assistance. Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized that the administration has been working on housing solutions long before the World Cup was announced, while officials aim to connect individuals to services rather than criminalize homelessness.