Mayor R. Rex Parris, R, of Lancaster, California drew national criticism after suggesting at a February City Council meeting that the solution to homelessness was to “give them all the fentanyl they want.” He later reinforced the statement in a televised interview, saying he wished the federal government would allow a “purge” to remove homeless individuals from the city.
Parris later said his comments were not meant to be taken literally, and insisted he was referring only to a “criminal element” within the unhoused population.
In an interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles, he said the city offers advanced homeless services, but claimed some individuals reject help and contribute to rising crime.
“There is nothing that we can do for these people,” Parris told Fox 11. “You know, Lancaster has the most innovative homeless solutions of any city in America. We’re very proud of it. We take care of a lot of people, but I’m talking about the people that refuse those services, the people that want to camp near your home so that they can burglarize them at night.”
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He said protecting residents is his top responsibility and cited personal experiences, including break-ins at his own home, as part of his concerns.
How have residents and opponents responded?
Parris’ purge remarks drew backlash from critics, including former opponents. Johnathon Ervin, who ran against him in 2024, called the comments disqualifying and joined fellow candidate Mark Maldonado in a recall effort. As of April 20, the campaign had collected only a small portion of the required signatures to advance that effort.
Critics accuse the mayor of using inflammatory language that stigmatizes unhoused residents and undermines the city’s obligation to address homelessness through lawful and humane means.
What is the context of Lancaster’s homelessness crisis?
Lancaster is located in northern Los Angeles County and is home to roughly 175,000 residents. The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count reported more than 6,600 unhoused individuals in the Antelope Valley region in 2024, up nearly 2,000 from the previous year. That total includes the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale and surrounding communities.
Extreme weather conditions, limited housing options, and longstanding tensions over encampments have challenged local leaders. In past years, the ACLU of Southern California accused Lancaster of criminalizing homelessness through aggressive enforcement practices, including the demolition of camps.
Has Mayor Parris made controversial statements before?
Parris, a Republican and former trial attorney, has served as Lancaster’s mayor since 2008. He is known for making unconventional proposals. In 2013, he advocated opening a trade office in Beijing and building a Buddhist temple to attract investment. In 2018, he called for banning neckties among city employees, citing health concerns.
Despite repeated controversies, Parris won reelection in 2024, securing a sixth term. His current tenure extends through April 2028.
What legal or political actions are underway?
The city clerk’s office sued the group leading the recall effort, claiming the petition included false or misleading information. Parris hasn’t responded to the lawsuit or the backlash beyond his televised remarks.
