A state of emergency has been declared in Rockland County, where officials have expressed strong disapproval of New York City’s decision to transport hundreds of migrants north due to hotel overcrowding in the city. The emergency declaration was issued on Saturday, a day after Mayor Eric Adams revealed his plan to bus up to 300 asylum seekers to two hotels in the Hudson Valley – a move that caught local officials by surprise and has led to an outcry over why they were not consulted beforehand. Migrants will be transported to a hotel in Orangeburg, as well as another in the Orange County town of Orange Lake. County Executive Ed Day stated that about 340 men are expected to be shuttled to the Orangeburg hotel for a period of four months, followed by a phase intended to help them integrate into the community.
However, the county has made it clear to Mayor Eric Adams that they are not in favor of his decision. Ed Day emphasized the county’s ongoing housing crisis and the lack of affordable housing options. He expressed his concerns that sending busloads of people to a county that is ill-equipped to handle such an influx would significantly exacerbate the problems they already face, putting enormous strain on their already stretched support systems. Day has implemented a 30-day emergency declaration that not only forbids the city from busing the migrants north but also doesn’t allow hotels or motels without the proper licenses to house them.
Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny (Orangeburg is a hamlet of Orangetown) was informed of the situation by Mayor Eric Adams during a phone call on Friday morning. She was taken aback by the fact that she wasn’t being asked for permission, but rather being notified as a courtesy. She stated her disappointment, as there are numerous questions surrounding the decision that remain unanswered. Teresa Kenny, also a Republican, said that city officials informed her that all migrants being taken to the hotel in her town are single men, but it’s unclear when they’re coming and how many will be staying at the hotel.
New York City has announced that it will begin offering to transport unaccompanied adult male illegal immigrants to two hotels in Rockland and Orange counties, despite strong opposition from local authorities in those areas.
Republican Rockland County officials demanded that Eric… pic.twitter.com/YVD2DZejtg— ?? Rich Howard ?? (@WylieGuide) May 7, 2023
Ed Day went on to accuse Adams of being hypocritical, suggesting that his plan to send migrants away from his city and into Orange and Rockland counties was politically motivated. He pointed out that Adams has previously accused Republicans of mistreating African American mayors, yet his decision to transport migrants to predominantly Republican counties appears to be doing the ‘exact same thing.’ The question arises if this is a strategic move to exacerbate difficulties faced by Republican-majority counties.
Republican Rep. Mike Lawler was also critical of Mayor Adams’ busing strategy, asserting that Rockland County is not a sanctuary county like New York City and its boroughs and therefore should not be burdened with the costs stemming from the Biden administration’s perceived failure on border security and immigration policy. However, New York City has stated that it will cover the expenses for providing shelter, food, and additional services to the migrants for up to four months. This has not deterred the possibility that the city may lease other hotels as well.
Teresa Kenny raised concerns about the lack of information regarding the migrants’ backgrounds, asking if there were any criminal records present among them. She was troubled by the fact that city officials admitted to not knowing the answer to her question. This has further fueled local objections, with residents demanding more information and details about the plan.
On Friday afternoon, photographs captured the visible preparation taking place at one of the selected hotels, with stacks of mattresses placed outside. Despite the obvious activity, hotel staff declined to comment when approached by NBC New York, stating that they were too preoccupied preparing to receive the migrants.
Orangeburg resident Scott Stout expressed concern about the existing undocumented population in the community and the presence of day workers searching for employment. This highlights the belief that adding the new influx of migrants to the area will only exacerbate the current situation, as resources and opportunities are already strained.
In response to the concerns, Mayor Adams, a Democrat, issued a statement defending his plan, stating that it is a voluntary program intended to provide temporary housing, access to various services, and connections to local communities for asylum seekers trying to establish a stable life in New York State. However, local officials still have their doubts and continue to call for more information about the plan.
Teresa Kenny reiterated the importance of providing information to local residents, in order to alleviate tensions and create a better environment for everyone involved. However, it remains unclear if Mayor Adams and New York City officials will provide the desired level of transparency.
While the debate between local officials and New York City continues, it highlights the ongoing political divide between Democrats and Republicans over the issue of immigration and migrant accommodation. With Rockland County leaning conservative, the current situation touches upon deeper concerns and fears shared by this demographic.
Not only does the unexpected move by Mayor Eric Adams threaten to cause considerable strain on resources and infrastructure, but it also raises questions about the transparency, decision-making, and communication between different levels of government. One might wonder if this scenario could have unfolded differently had there been prior consultation or input from the affected communities.
The emergency declaration in Rockland County showcases an underlying issue faced by many communities nationwide: balancing the need to provide support for asylum seekers while also addressing local housing crises and infrastructure challenges. By transporting migrants to areas already strained, it becomes increasingly difficult for both migrants and residents to find stability and support.
As tensions rise between Rockland County and New York City, a resolution that satisfies both parties still remains to be seen. With questions swirling around transparency, the potential impact on communities, and the underlying motivations behind the decision, there is a pressing need for open communication and cooperation to address these issues.
Ultimately, this situation reveals the importance of cooperation and dialogue between different levels of government, especially when dealing with sensitive and politically charged issues like immigration. Arriving at a solution that is beneficial for all parties will require understanding, collaboration, and, most importantly, an open line of communication.
