New York City officials have initiated the process of dismantling a homeless encampment on Randall’s Island in response to the escalating issue of individuals seeking shelter outdoors.
Dozens of migrants, mainly men from West Africa and Latin America, are now living in camping tents, tarps, and mattresses outside a massive tent dormitory on Randall’s Island. The city has provided shelter for around 3,000 migrants in this facility. However, due to the enforcement of stricter rules by Mayor Eric Adams on the length of stay for adult migrants in the shelter system, some individuals were evicted and forced to seek alternative accommodations outside.
On Monday morning, the migrants hurriedly packed their tents and belongings while police officers and city workers searched the area to gather the left-behind items. Outreach workers from the Department of Homeless Services extended their assistance by providing rides to a processing center for the migrants to apply for shelter placements. However, some migrants were hesitant to accept the offer, as they had already reached the limit of their stay in the shelter system.
The encampment on Randall’s Island has become a tangible representation of one of the city’s most pressing issues: the influx of migrants from the southern border who are seeking shelter. Despite two years having passed since the start of this crisis, the city is still accommodating almost 64,000 migrants in various shelters, including hotels and offices.
Now, authorities are making efforts to decrease that population without forcing migrants onto the streets, which could exacerbate quality-of-life issues for New Yorkers.
The issue also carries national significance in the midst of a highly contested election year, despite the fact that the influx of migrants crossing the southern border has significantly decreased in recent months. Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have capitalized on images of chaos and migrants in the streets of New York and other locations to criticize Democrats on matters of border security and local safety.
The city made changes to its long-standing legal requirement, known as the right to shelter, which mandated that the city must provide a bed to anyone who requests one. In an effort to reduce the number of people in shelters, the city now limits adult migrants to shelter stays of either 30 or 60 days. However, there are certain circumstances, such as applying for asylum, where they can apply for extensions.
According to city officials, the majority of migrants who requested an extension have been granted one, but some of them have still been evicted.
The encampment sweep has received criticism from the Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless. In a joint statement, they expressed concerns that such actions would disrupt the search for employment and stable housing for migrants. They also highlighted the insufficient support provided by the shelter system.
In a statement, it was mentioned that these ongoing sweeps are not only cruel but also confusing, and they have a negative impact on our clients. Moreover, these actions discourage our clients from accessing the City services that they are entitled to.
According to city officials, they are implementing a consistent policy that has been used for other homeless encampments within the city. They have made it known that they provided prior notice to the migrants about the upcoming clearance and even dispatched outreach workers on Friday. Additionally, they emphasized their ongoing efforts to assist thousands of migrants in applying for asylum and work authorization, aiming to promote their self-sufficiency.
According to a statement from City Hall spokesperson Liz Garcia, these operations aim to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers who utilize public spaces. Garcia emphasized that encampments are not safe or secure for migrants, as well as long-term unhoused individuals and others residing in the city.
The migrant shelter on Randall’s Island is located in the southwest corner of the island, amidst a peaceful recreational parkland along the East River. Comprising of spacious white tent dormitories, the shelter provides accommodation for men in military-style cots arranged in neat rows. However, since its establishment in August 2023, the shelter has encountered challenges in dealing with episodes of violence.
In January, three individuals faced charges of manslaughter following the fatal stabbing of a migrant within the shelter. Later in July, tragedy struck again as a Venezuelan mother was shot and killed outside the shelter, while two others were injured by a man on a moped, according to the police. Adding to the growing concerns, on August 11, another migrant was stabbed in the stomach outside the shelter.
In early August, the shelter was subjected to a police raid in response to the violence. The purpose of the raid was to search for contraband, such as weapons or drugs. However, the police later confirmed that no such items were found during the operation.
Some migrants have chosen to sleep outdoors, finding it to be a safer option. During the day, some of them even sell food and wares. In various areas, groups of migrants can be seen sleeping on streets, in parks, and under overpasses.
City Hall has taken action in response to the increasing numbers of individuals involved in illegal activities. In an effort to address the issue, law enforcement officers have seized unregistered mopeds, towed illegally parked cars, and targeted illegal vending outside the shelter.
On Monday morning, the police and city workers arrived with garbage trucks and trash pickers.
“Migrants shouted in Spanish, urging each other to gather their belongings as the city workers prepared to clean the area. They hurriedly collected bicycles, cooking equipment, tents, and umbrellas that had been left behind.”
Some migrants decided to follow city workers in order to apply for another shelter bed. Meanwhile, numerous others chose to relocate to different areas of the park, while some expressed their intention to come back either later that night or the following day.
Emanuel Pabon, a 30-year-old Venezuelan, found himself camping outside the shelter after being forced out on August 10. According to him, the sweep was a result of the violent actions of a few individuals.
He emphasized that while there may be a few individuals who engage in negative behavior, it is unfair for everyone to suffer the consequences. He firmly stated, “We are not invaders, and our intention is not to invade. The reality is that in New York, we have limited options and nowhere else to turn to.”
