Let's not sensationalize, it's not that malicious. But yes, many cities typically do a count of the homeless. New York City just did theirs in January. While I realize that pretty much nowhere is doing enough for the unhoused, this count does give the municipalities an idea of where the unhoused are congregating and how many people are in each area, which helps the city and nonprofits determine where to best use the resources they *do* have to distribute.

There are no paramilitary teams just secretly sweeping forests and encampments, forcing people out of hiding. I imagine it's more so to get a count without actually disturbing people who do not want to be bothered at a time when they are likely to be stationary and congregated so as to get the most accurate information.