Politics & Government
Judge Orders NYC To Stop Bringing Migrants To Dutchess Temporarily
New York's Department of Homeland Security said the asylum seekers have had background checks and been identified by the federal government.
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — With more than 80 asylum seekers being housed in the town of Poughkeepsie, a Dutchess County Supreme Court judge granted Dutchess County’s request for a temporary restraining order.
The order, which was granted Tuesday, bars New York City’s mayor from transporting any additional homeless adults or minors in temporary shelters in New York City to Dutchess County.
That includes hotels within the county, including but not limited to, the Red Roof Plus+ and the Holiday Inn at 2349 South Rd. and 2170 South Rd, respectively, in Poughkeepsie.
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The order, from Judge Maria Rosa, was effective immediately and is in effect until June 20 while the county pursues a permanent order.
County Executive William F.X. O’Neill said the county maintains the right to make statutory safety inspections at the two hotels, and New York City has been ordered to continue to provide services and all reasonable expenses for services to anyone who was brought to Dutchess County prior to the restraining order.
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At a news conference Tuesday, O’Neill said there are currently 86 men being housed at the Red Roof Plus+. Of those, 66 arrived Sunday, including 40 who had been in Sullivan County, and an additional 20 who were brought to Poughkeepsie Monday from New York City.
No one is being housed at the Holiday Inn, though it is under the same ownership as the Red Roof hotel.
Because the asylum seekers are the responsibility of New York City, this responsibility, O’Neill said, and that responsibility includes covering all related costs including lodging, meals and wrap-around services such as security.
All the individuals are legal asylum seekers, and according to the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, they have been vetted, fingerprinted and identified by the federal government, including background checks.
O’Neill said that information has not yet been provided to Dutchess County, but the temporary restraining order requires New York City to provide identification information to the county.
He also said the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office have enhanced patrols in the area of the hotel, and the county Department of Behavioral & Community Health continues to conduct inspections at the hotel for sanitary code enforcement.
O’Neill said the county is thinking in the long term about the asylum seekers.
“We must be realistic and recognize these individuals will be in the county for an indefinite period of time and may need to be assimilated into our community,” he said. “In that event, Dutchess County wants to ensure that the process is as safe and effective as possible for all.”
O’Neill said that the county is requesting a partnership with NYC for integrated case management to understand the needs, skills and next steps for the men.
He said it was critical, should they remain in the community, that they have the necessary skill building, including language and job readiness.
It was also important, O’Neill said, should the city be willing to collaborate with the county, it would be expected that state dollars will be distributed to care for the asylum seekers to cover costs.
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