The administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to implement migrant curfews at three additional large shelters in the city, according to sources.
City Hall has announced that asylum seekers residing at the Creedmoor in Queens Village, Candler in Manhattan, and Brooklyn’s Hall Street shelter will receive notifications within the next two weeks regarding the implementation of new curfews. These curfews are set to be in effect at the three HERRCs by April 22.
Around 4,600 single asylum seekers will be impacted by the curfew, which restricts their movement between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. every night, with exceptions for work and emergencies.
The Biden administration’s ICE official, who previously praised the use of “alternatives to detention” for migrants, will now have to face questioning from Congress. This comes as part of ongoing efforts to address the immigration situation at the border.
The official in question had previously advocated for the use of alternatives to detention as a means to manage the influx of migrants. These alternatives could include electronic monitoring, case management, and community-based supervision. The idea behind this approach is to provide a more humane and cost-effective solution while still ensuring that migrants comply with immigration laws.
However, critics argue that these alternatives may not be as effective as detention in deterring migrants from crossing the border illegally. They argue that detention serves as a stronger deterrent and helps to ensure that individuals show up for their immigration court hearings.
Congress is now set to grill the ICE official on their stance and the effectiveness of these alternatives. Lawmakers will likely question the official about the potential consequences and challenges associated with implementing such measures. They will also seek to gain a better understanding of how these alternatives align with the administration’s broader immigration policies.
This congressional grilling is part of a larger effort to address the ongoing immigration challenges at the border. The Biden administration has been under increased scrutiny for its handling of the situation, with critics arguing that its policies have contributed to the surge in migrant arrivals.
As Congress continues to investigate and seek answers, the ICE official will be expected to provide insights and defend their position on alternatives to detention. The outcome of these hearings may influence future immigration policies and the approach taken by the administration in managing the border situation.
According to City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak, this policy will enable more efficient management of capacity for migrants under the city’s care.
The increase in the number of migrant children attending a school in NYC may force a special needs school to vacate the shared building.
Earlier this year, the curfews for asylum seekers were implemented as a response to numerous complaints from neighbors. These complaints highlighted issues such as panhandling and migrants going door-to-door for food and clothes.
The policy initially began at the four respite centers and was subsequently expanded to include shelters.
The directive, which mirrors rules at homeless shelters, will assist in managing bed capacity, according to City Hall.
Randall’s Island recently implemented a curfew following a tragic stabbing incident at the shelter, which has been plagued by violence.
By the end of April, almost all of the temporary shelters in the city will enforce a nightly curfew. Out of the 218 shelters housing approximately 65,000 migrants, 190 of them will have this curfew in place.
