How long can this continue? Our communities are overwhelmed by an unchecked influx of immigrants. “We’re just being dumped here” is a sentiment shared by many in my constituency.
The reality is harsh: these shelters contribute nothing to our communities and, in many cases, only attract crime. Since spring 2022, more than 204,000 migrants have entered New York City’s intake system, and more than 66,000 were in our care last month alone.
There are currently 216 migrant detention facilities across the city, with over 70 in Queens alone, and the city is on track to spend a staggering $12 billion over the next few years on this mess, which is unsustainable and unfair.
Political hypocrite
The hypocrisy of our colleagues in government is astounding. Until recently, they were quick to label Republicans as “anti-immigrant” because they advocated for border security and rational immigration policies. They urged President Biden to end the Remain in Mexico policy and cheered when the court struck down Title 42. Now, faced with the consequences of these rulings, they are finally sounding the alarm. But it’s too little, too late.
These same elected officials are now talking about a “fair share,” with one Queens elected official even suggesting Staten Island needs to do more.
Is this what our city’s taxpayers deserve? Politicians opening the floodgates and then complaining about flooding after the damage is done? It’s time for voters to wake up and choose leaders who put their interests first.
We cannot afford a see-saw response to the crisis – we need a leader who is willing to tackle challenges head-on and take tough decisions, even if they contradict what the party stands for.
Low- and middle-class communities filled with hard-working, longtime New Yorkers now find their government prioritizing newcomers over them.
These immigrants are given free housing, food, legal aid, debit cards, and protection under the Sanctuary City Law, which prohibits the New York Police Department and Department of Corrections from cooperating and liaising with federal law enforcement agencies to root out potential terrorists and immigrant gangs.
The crime continues
What kind of message does this send to taxpayers, whose money is being spent by individuals who, in some cases, are wreaking havoc in their neighborhoods? We see Venezuelan immigrant gangs robbing people and shooting at police. Two teenagers in Quixena Park were recently held at knifepoint by an Ecuadorian immigrant who is now accused of raping a 13-year-old girl.
Migrant shelters are becoming home to gun and drug trafficking rings — and the list goes on — and this isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a threat to public safety.
Taxpayers deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes their safety, quality of life, and their hard-earned money. But they’re being treated unfairly. Migrant shelters are being set up in our neighborhoods without consideration for the impact on local resources, schools, and public safety. It’s time to face reality.
The people of our city are generous and compassionate, but they’re not naive. They see through the political games and the blame game. They want real solutions, not empty promises.
Our people need leaders who will make the tough decisions to protect their interests and safeguard their communities. We cannot continue to be a dumping ground for the world’s problems.
Assemblyman Robert Holden (Democrat) represents the 30th District in Queens.
