Queens residents raise concerns against Mayor Adams’ handling of migrant crisis

Tensions escalated over the weekend as irate New York City residents confronted Mayor Adams, voicing their apprehensions regarding his approach to the ongoing migrant crisis and its potential implications for the city.

These grievances emerged during a post-Indian Parade gathering at St. Gregory the Great Church in Bellerose, where Queens residents expressed their concerns about a makeshift settlement known as a “tent city” at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center.

Protestors brandished signs and chanted slogans such as “No Tent City” and “One-Term Mayor,” making their discontent clear. During this event, Mayor Adams made a subtle allusion to President Biden in his remarks, adding an undertone of political discourse to the debate.

Mayor Adams addressed the group, affirming their democratic right to influence local governance through their voting power.

He acknowledged the challenges inherited over the past 18 months and invited critique of his performance.

Phil Orenstein, a prominent figure within the Queens Village Republican Club, seized the opportunity to urge Mayor Adams to communicate with the president and cease the influx of migrants into New York.

The encounter further unraveled as Orenstein passionately voiced community concerns over the migrant encampment at Creedmoor.

He called for the relocation of migrants to Rikers Island or beyond, highlighting the potential risks associated with introducing an influx of migrants into the neighborhood.

Orenstein’s observation centered on fears of diminishing property values, heightened crime rates, and the lack of appropriate vetting for the migrants.

Mayor Adams, in response, challenged the legality of the deportation approach proposed by Orenstein, questioning whether such action would breach existing laws.

Orenstein countered, asserting that “there were no sanctuary laws to hinder such an approach.”

Undeterred, Mayor Adams cautioned against hasty decisions, emphasizing the potential consequences of the city taking unilateral actions and drawing federal sanctions that could hinder necessary funding for solutions.

During this exchange, Mayor Adams underscored the city’s financial strain due to the burgeoning migrant crisis. Reports indicated that the estimated cost over the next three years could reach a staggering $12 billion, with monthly expenses exceeding $20 million for accommodating migrants on Randall’s Island, based on information from a state source.

The per-person cost could reach $10,000 if all available beds are utilized.

The scale of the issue became evident as Mayor Adams disclosed that approximately 100,000 asylum seekers, including men, women, and children, have arrived in the city since early 2022. More than half of these individuals are currently lodged in 198 emergency shelters spread across the five boroughs.

Mayor Adams stressed the immense strain this has placed on the city’s resources, citing statistics that revealed the substantial daily, monthly, and annual expenditures.

The exchange between Queens residents and Mayor Adams showcased the complex challenges presented by the migrant crisis and its broader implications for New York City.

While protestors expressed concerns about potential negative consequences, the mayor highlighted the legal and financial constraints tied to addressing the situation.

The discourse underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted issues posed by the ongoing migrant crisis.