The Sheriff’s Office has joined calls to lower the jail's population.
After the employee went public, investigations at the Gentilly High School uncovered myriad graduation problems and many seniors had to return to complete summer coursework.
First 120 beds will be ready this weekend, Edwards says.
Workers cleared several sites Thursday morning, boarding people onto buses to take them to temporary accommodations.
“I think many people fail to recognize the conditions in which poor and African American New Orleanians struggle to survive every day,” Dr. Allison Plyer said.
The petition also calls for the release of anyone arrested on low-level charges
Some low-level, non-violent arrests continue.
"Refugees have no business being behind bars in the first place, and their continued detention threatens not only their health – but the health and safety of the community at large."
Board chairman Melvin Rodrigue said a decision could come down from the state "by the end of the day" on Wednesday.
Meal pickups will only be open Monday and Wednesday beginning next week.