EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A new Texas law designed to speed up the removal of squatters is now in effect, following a recent eviction in Northeast El Paso where deputies cleared more than 20 people and nearly 30 animals from a vacant property.
Senate Bill 1333, which took effect Sept. 1, allows property owners to request an immediate removal if they can show a person is not a legal tenant or family member. The law removes the need for a full court eviction hearing in qualifying cases, giving law enforcement authority to act faster.
Deputy Sgt. Deja Pascale with the El Paso County Constable’s Office for Precinct 2 said squatting has become a growing concern in the Northeast.
“The Northeast does have a big squatter problem,” Pascale said. “Hopefully, now this law is buckling down because they’ll get you out faster than in the past.”
Deputies handled one of their largest squatting cases to date at a long-abandoned home on Hemmingway Drive, which had reportedly sat vacant for nearly a decade after its owners passed away. Neighbors began reporting unusual activity in April, including tents in the yard, loud noise late at night and possible drug activity.
Deputies estimate that up to 50 to 60 people stayed at the property over time. During the official eviction last week, between 20 and 25 individuals were removed. Five were taken into custody on outstanding warrants and one was arrested on a marijuana-related charge.
El Paso Animal Services confirmed that 27 animals were also rescued from the property, many of them suffering from skin conditions due to dirty living conditions. Some have since been adopted, while others are still available.
Although the Hemmingway case still had to follow the traditional eviction process, Pascale said future cases may move faster under SB 1333, depending on whether property owners meet required documentation standards.
“It expedites the process. It pretty much takes out the whole court proceeding,” she said.
Deputies are urging property owners to check vacant homes regularly and report suspicious activity early, adding they expect more enforcement under the new law in the coming months.
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