The decision to move forward with the clearing drew praise from many residents but drew backlash from civil rights advocates such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The encampment, located in the heart of Orange County, stretched from Interstate 5 in Orange to Ball Road in Anaheim along a bike trail, according to a spokesperson for Orange County Public Works.

About 700 people had been living in the encampments when the dismantling began in late February, the Register reported.