Battle Ensues Between NYC and NYS Over Illegal Migrants

by Mindy Cohn

Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul are having a hard time seeing eye to eye concerning the continued crisis created by the accelerated illegal migrant crisis flooding NYC.

Extra stress is coming to the front now with the additional challenges of  City public schools opening in three weeks from Thursday with an overwhelming burden from the influx of illegal migrant children whom NYC is expected to absorb into its public schools.

Governor Kathy Hochul's lawyers released a letter Tuesday, August 15, criticizing New York City's management of its migrant crisis, accusing the City of poor coordination and communication with the State regarding the 100,000 illegal immigrants who have poured into the City since spring 2022. The letter was a response to Adams' request for more state help with the ongoing illegal migrant issue.

The twelve-page letter suggests "the State has been a vital partner to the City since the beginning of this challenge." 

It goes on to list the many ways support has been offered, including the governor declaring a State Disaster Emergency and issuing an Executive Order to support the City's need for legal and regulatory flexibility. 

"The State has directed significant State funds to the City. The State has made numerous State-owned properties available for the City to house migrants," the letter reads. 

It goes on to remind the mayor that the State sent staffing and technical assistance to the City along with 1,840 National Guard members to assist with shelter operations. 

"The City should improve its efficiency and consistency in collaborating with the State," the letter said. "In some instances, the City has failed to accept the State's offers of assistance or recommendations for State facilities. The City has not made timely requests for regulatory changes, has not always promptly shared necessary information with the State, has not implemented programs in a timely manner, and has not consulted the State before taking certain actions...The City can and should do more to act in a proactive and collaborative manner with the State."

Adams was not accepting the blame and argued during his Thursday press conference that the 100,000 illegal immigrants over the last few months are the responsibility of the entire State of New York, not just his sanctuary city.

Adams went on to suggest Hochul issue an executive order to stop the suburbs from prohibiting migrant shelters in their areas.

"New York towns have been putting up obstacles to prevent the City from relocating migrants to settle among their residents, Adams complained, "leaving New York City to foot the bill to accommodate their housing, food, and other resources."