Activists and community members held a vigil to honor the victim and demand that the city be held accountable to prevent similar incidents in the future.

On Thursday, city crews cleared the encampment by Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, citing concerns over safety, fire danger and cleanliness.

Against bone-chilling cold, Jose Ismael squatted next to a makeshift campfire within the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in St. Paul on Wednesday, contemplating where he and dozens of others living in the sprawling tent encampment around him would end up the next day.

Since that encampment went up in August of 2023, city leaders say police have responded to more than 400 calls there, and 50 calls for fire and medical help.