New York City officials are exploring the possibility of housing illegal immigrants in Central Park as the city grapples with the influx of newcomers.
Mayor Eric Adams has acknowledged that the city is running out of space, with over 95,000 migrants arriving since spring 2022. With hotels at full capacity, hundreds of migrants have been observed sleeping on city sidewalks in deplorable conditions.
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Anne Williams-Isom, stated that "everything is on the table" during a press conference, indicating that the city is considering various options for housing relief. The city is reportedly evaluating around 3,000 locations for potential housing solutions. Williams-Isom also acknowledged that the current system is reaching its breaking point, responding to questions about the possibility of housing migrants in parks.
Reports about the city's alleged plans have caused a frenzy among media outlets. The Gothamist reported that the city is considering erecting tents in Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Randalls Island, where a tent facility was previously established in a parking lot in the fall of 2022. The information was provided by an anonymous source who claimed to be briefed on the plan.
The New York Daily News also reported on the situation at Randalls Island, stating that there are plans to house migrants on soccer fields, which has sparked outrage among local stakeholders whose facilities would become unavailable. City officials have not provided a timeline for the relocation to city parks or disclosed who is developing the plan.
According to the deputy mayor, approximately 2,100 migrants are arriving in the city each week. Senator Ted Cruz mocked this number, suggesting that South Texas would gladly welcome only 2,100 migrants per week, as the region is currently facing a much larger influx.
It is worth noting that in May 2023, New York City implemented a "Homeless Bill of Rights," which grants individuals the explicit right to sleep outdoors in public places, the right to voice complaints about shelter accommodations without facing consequences, and the right to be assigned to a space that aligns with their gender identity.
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