NYC to house immigrants in school gyms as Title 42 ends.

New York City to Temporarily House Immigrants in School Gyms

Separate Gyms to be Used to Ensure Safety of Children and Staff

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that immigrants who came into the United States through the southern border after the end of Title 42 will be temporarily housed in school gymnasiums. The gyms selected must have stand-alone gyms that are separate from the rest of the campus to ensure the safety of children and staff at the schools. Up to 20 gyms are being looked at as options.

“This is one of the last places we want to look at. None of us are comfortable with having to take these drastic steps,” the Democratic mayor told NY1. “Each gym, the 20 gyms that we are looking at, we have not made a final determination on all the gyms, but that we are looking at are separate from the actual school buildings. They are independent from the school buildings.”

At least one of the selected schools reassured parents and community upset over the news that security precautions were in place and the immigrants would not interfere with school functions. “This should not impact school operations, nor will the families have access to any other part of the school where students and staff are,” school officials said in a letter sent to parents obtained by WABC.

Officials Call for Federal Government to Step In

Officials cite as many as 65,000 asylum-seekers have come through the city so far, including 4,200 last week. The city expects as many as 15 buses this weekend, according to Adams. Suburbs and neighboring counties in New York have received criticism from the Adams administration recently after refusing to take in more immigrants. Officials in Rockland and Orange Counties have gone so far as to implement a restraining order on New York City, prohibiting it from sending immigrants. However, a spokesperson for Adams said it is ultimately up to the federal government to step in and help.

“We need the federal government to step up, but until they do, we need other elected officials around the state and country to do their part,” the spokesperson told ABC News. “New York City is out of space and we’re only asking Orange County to manage approximately one-fourth of 1% of the asylum seekers who have come to New York City, with New York paying for shelter, food, and services.”

Gov. Abbott Resumes Sending Immigrants to Sanctuary Cities

With the end of Title 42, a pandemic-era policy that allowed easier expulsion of immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) has resumed sending busloads of immigrants to sanctuary cities to help relieve some of the burdens on border towns. Abbott first started sending immigrants through buses last year and said it was partly to show city officials the realities of the border crisis.

Conclusion

The issue of immigration continues to be a contentious one in the United States, with officials at all levels of government struggling to find solutions that are both humane and practical. As the situation at the southern border continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address the needs of those seeking asylum while also ensuring the safety and well-being of American citizens.