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Mayor Adams says Randall's Island shelter trouble is a symptom of federal inaction
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Feb 20, 2024
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Reece T. Williams/Gothamist
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Feb 20, 2024
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Mayor Eric Adams said the latest incident of violence at the Randall’s Island migrant shelter is a natural consequence of the shelter's residents being unable to work.
The mayor was asked on Tuesday about recent video footage of police wrestling someone to the floor at the facility while residents threw objects and yelled at the officers.
The shelter, which can house about 3,000 migrants, has been a locus for violence in recent weeks amid multiple stabbing incidents and complaints from residents about constant fights. Adams, who has been pressing the federal government to expand work permits to more migrants, said the eruptions are to be expected when that many people are confined to a tent and not allowed to seek legal employment.
“I’ve been saying this for more than a year now. That is just not an ideal situation,” he said during a City Hall press conference. “Even the most peaceful person – being confined to an area with 3,000 people – even if you’re the most peaceful person, there comes a time where it just irritates you.”
Adams, a Democrat, has criticized President Joe Biden on immigration — specifically for not providing more work authorization and financial assistance to help the city manage an influx of some 170,000 migrants.
Public attention on the crisis recently escalated after several high-profile incidents involving migrants. In January, several migrants were arrested after allegedly assaulting two officers in Times Square. Weeks later, a shooting in Times Square led to the arrest of a teen who was later revealed to have previously been staying at a migrant shelter. That’s in addition to multiple stabbing incidents that have taken place at migrant shelters.
Police said the recent video was from a scuffle last week that started when a “disorderly person” began arguing with a security guard, which led to police being called.
But even amid the migrant crisis, the mayor had some positive words for Biden and his re-election bid in November. He applauded the president for navigating the country through COVID-19 and “a real economic downturn.”
“As I’ve stated before, I’m a supporter of the president – and I look forward to him leading for another four years,” Adams said.
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new york city
Asylum Seekers
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eric adams
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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