In a tragic incident on Monday, an 11-year-old boy was found unconscious with a shoelace tied around his neck in a migrant shelter located in Manhattan's Upper West Side.
Despite immediate medical attention, the child could not be revived and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
The New York Post reported that the boy was discovered in the lobby of the Stratford Arms Hotel on 70th Street around 5 pm. He was immediately transported to Roosevelt Hospital, but his life could not be saved. The identity of the child has not been disclosed, and investigators are currently probing the cause of death and the circumstances that led to the shoelace being tied around his neck.
As per the National Review, the Stratford Arms Hotel, which previously served as a residence hall for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, was converted into a migrant shelter earlier this year. This transformation was a response to the unprecedented surge of foreign nationals flocking to the city.
In June, the students of the academy were relocated to downtown Manhattan to accommodate the influx of undocumented immigrants provided shelter by Mayor Eric Adams' administration. The arrival of these new inhabitants, however, has not been without controversy.
Residents of the Upper West Side have voiced complaints about the disruptive behavior of the new arrivals, citing excessive noise, unlicensed moped riding, and general disruption of the once tranquil neighborhood.
Among the disgruntled residents is Joe Germanotta, a 66-year-old resident and father of pop star Lady Gaga. Germanotta has taken the initiative to form an association with fellow residents to communicate their concerns to Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials.
Germanotta expressed his discontent with the current state of the neighborhood, stating, "If it was like this when my girls were growing up, I wouldn't be living in New York." He further clarified, "I dont mind having them there. They're gonna be there for three years. That was the contract, I understand. But at least manage it. Put the proper security in place, have a police presence and a code of conduct."
The New York Post reported in September that the city had ordered single asylum seekers to vacate the hotel to make room for families.
New York City has been grappling with a significant increase in undocumented immigrants due to President Biden's border policy. The city has been witnessing an influx of approximately 10,000 new individuals each month and is obligated by local law to provide shelter for those seeking it.
The financial strain of providing for these individuals has led to budget cuts in essential city services like police and education. Despite reaching out to the Biden administration for assistance, Mayor Eric Adams has reported that no help is forthcoming.
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