NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — The number of migrants trying to enter the United States could dramatically increase after Thursday night’s expiration of Title 42.
And that is sparking concern in the Tri-State area.
Officials have said hundreds of migrants per day could start arriving in New York City Friday, straining the already over-burdened shelter system.
And indeed, as if on cue, two more buses of asylum seekers did arrive at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan shortly after dawn.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and others were on hand to greet them and help them get assistance as Williams called for a better response at all level of government.
“We have a responsibility,” he said. “I understand the angst, because I have it as well. But we have to coordinate this – city, state and federal level. And right now, that’s not happening.”
He asked President Biden to step up and not to “ignore NYC, we can’t handle this on our own.”
According to volunteers, the latest buses arrived from Laredo, Texas. Many of the asylum seekers made the journey from places like Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia.
As the city faces a strain on resources, including its shelter system, one of the biggest challenges is where to house the incoming migrants. It’s unclear where the group that arrived Friday will head next.
There have been heated conversations between Mayor Eric Adams and county executives in Rockland and Orange counties about where to house them, but part of Adams’ plan is to relocate migrants to the Hudson Valley.
And on Thursday, two buses showed up at a hotel in Newburgh, Orange County.
“We were told this wasn’t going to happen and now it ends up happening and there’s no information.. we know nothing about the individuals,” the Orange County executive said.
Rockland County and Orangetown have filed temporary restraining orders to prevent migrants from arriving — for now.
It has forced a war of words between Adams and Rockland County Executive Ed Day.
“This guy has a record of being antisemitic, racist comments…his thoughts and how he responded to this really shows a lack of leadership,” Adams said. “I thought he was the Texas governor with the way he acted.”
Day responded by saying, “The mayor can call me every name in the book to deflect the reality of this former officer’s clear disregard for our laws. His belief that he is above the local and state law speaks volumes about the character of Mayor Adams.”
Legal action in Orange County and Newburgh are pending.
Meanwhile, the New York Civil Liberties Union filed a countersuit on Thursday and Adams is also vowing to fight the legal challengers.
RELATED | Migrant surge as United States prepares for end of Title 42 policy linked to coronavirus pandemic
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