L.A. crackdown on homeless camps begins under fire from civil rights lawyers

David Ruther, who has been homeless for the last 12 years, points to a sign declaring a “special enforcement zone” posted by the city near a new shelter in El Pueblo historic district.

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority workers spread out in downtown Los Angeles to educate and warn the homeless of a coming crackdown on encampments.

Amy Perkins of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, left, explains new rules and restrictions to Leticia Cervantes, who lives in a tent near El Pueblo.

A homeless man with his belongings crosses Arcadia Street in downtown Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority staffers, Department of Sanitation workers and LAPD officers educate and warn the homeless of stepped-up enforcement against encampments near a new shelter in downtown L.A.

Sanitation workers and police officers said they would delay ticketing and aggressive camp clearances until homeless people are educated on the new rules.

Homeless outreach workers and LAPD officers wake up a woman living in a tent along Arcadia Street in downtown Los Angeles.