The Free Press released video showing people experiencing homelessness sleeping inside LAX terminals as World Cup visitors arrive. Earlier reporting found up to 130 people camping in terminals on some nights and police records show 1,023 incident responses at LAX in 2019. The coverage cites a 2021 security breach where a man boarded a flight after crawling under a fence and alleges this year there have been instances of defecation, a threat to shoot, and other crimes. LAX says terminals are restricted to ticketed passengers and those meeting them.
Video Shows Homeless Sleeping in LAX Terminals as World Cup Fans Arrive — Safety Concerns Raised
A man sleeping on a wooden and concrete bench next to a trash can with his shoes on the ground
As Los Angeles prepares to host its first FIFA World Cup match, arriving fans at Los Angeles International Airport are being met by visible homelessness inside airport terminals, according to newly published video footage.
What the Video Shows
Free Press reporter Austyn Jeffs visited LAX to document conditions and captured footage of people sleeping on terminal floors, some using blankets, and at least one dog curled beside its owner. The video shows areas of the terminals functioning as improvised sleeping spaces rather than transit zones.
Background and Data
Previous reporting has highlighted the scope of the issue. NBC4 reported in 2020 that on many nights as many as 130 people were camping in LAX terminals. Police records obtained by NBC show that LAX officers responded to 1,023 incidents in 2019, many of which involved people experiencing homelessness.
Incidents and Safety Concerns
The report recalls a 2021 breach in which a man reportedly crawled under an airport fence and boarded an American Airlines flight, underscoring long-standing security challenges. Free Press reporting this year includes allegations of people defecating in terminals, a reported threat to shoot passengers, and other alleged crimes such as assault, theft, carjacking and sexual battery. These claims are reported by the Free Press and reflect allegations and incident reports that raise concerns about passenger safety and airport operations.
LAX Policy
Los Angeles International Airport maintains that terminal access is restricted. LAX publicly states that entry is permitted only to ticketed airline passengers and those meeting them, and that the terminals are closed to the general public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Note: The footage and reports highlight complex and overlapping issues of homelessness, public safety and airport security. Local authorities and airport officials have faced ongoing challenges in addressing these problems while keeping facilities open and secure for travelers.
LAX is one of the busiest airports in the US and its been taken over by homeless. Rafael Fontoura for CA Post
Homeless people at LAX Rafael Fontoura for CA Post
LAX Terminal B Rafael Fontoura for CA Post
Travelers and homeless people sharing a concrete bench at an airport. Rafael Fontoura for CA Post
A man sleeping on a wooden and concrete bench next to a trash can with his shoes on the ground Rafael Fontoura for CA Post
Homeless person Rafael Fontoura for CA Post
Four individuals, appearing to be homeless, sit or lie on a concrete bench at LAX airport. Rafael Fontoura for CA Post
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