Suffolk is one of 30 counties across the state being sued by New York Mayor Eric Adams seeking to block them from trying to stop the relocation of up to 72,000 immigrants who have amassed in the city.
Adams is in a predicament after rolling out the red carpet for migrants by deeming New York a “Sanctuary City.” Now faced with the responsibility of housing them, he’s looking to the counties and towns for help, jurisdictions that are seeking restraining orders and making emergency declarations to keep them out.
“This lawsuit aims to put an end to this xenophobic bigotry and ensure our state acts as one as we work together to manage this humanitarian crisis fairly and humanely, as we have done from the beginning and as we will continue to do," the mayor said.
“We believe that there should be a holistic approach,” said the Suffolk Legislature’s minority leader, Jason Richberg. “I'm not saying that folks aren't invited here at all. I'm saying we should work with our local governments and with our state government to help facilitate, to make sure we're being strategic.”
Richberg was one of six legislators who voted against hiring legal counsel to advise on options as the immigration crisis unfolds. “I think we have a duty as Americans and as New Yorkers to help in any way we can. But I also think our federal government should be providing funds and helping make sure we have the infrastructure and immigration judges so that these folks are processed and aren’t languishing for years,” Richberg said.
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| New York City Mayor Eric Adams File Photo |
"When the City of New York declared itself a Sanctuary City it invited these challenges,” said Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O'Neil, who was named in the lawsuit along with Suffolk and the Town of Riverhead. “Now Mayor Adams is pouring gasoline on the fire he started while continuing to try to impose his will upon the rest of the state by breaking local building and zoning laws and violating New York state Social Services rules and regulations.”
Another defendant, Rockland Executive Ed Day, said, “Rockland County services have already been strained to the breaking point through the natural and organic migration of individuals to our county. This new lawsuit does nothing to address the legitimate concerns of my administration and residents of our county."
Orange County had a similar reaction with spokesman Justin Rodriguez stating, "New York City's lawsuit lacks merit and its boldfaced actions of sending individuals from the city to Orange County is in clear violation of state law and is the real problem. Orange County will continue to assert and protect its rights in ensuring that the rule of law is followed by all."
Kevin McCarthy, presiding officer of the Suffolk Legislature who sponsored the special council bill, noted the strain an influx of new residents would have on schools, emergency services, and other resources. “How do you deal with that? How do you budget for that?” he asked when the resolution was being debated. “It’s a burden that's going to be on our taxpayers, our emergency medical services, our police, our rescue companies.” The presiding officer did not make himself available for further comment, nor did County Executive Bellone.