New York City has sent migrants all over the world, a new report reveals, just months after mayor Eric Adams criticized conservative governors Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott for seemingly the same action.
New York City has spent around $50,000 to relocate 114 migrant households, primarily to Florida and Texas, according to documents obtained by Politico.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis and Texas governor Greg Abbott have received condemnation and even threats of legal action after forcibly transporting migrants to northern cities. Last September, 49 migrants were flown to Martha's Vineyard from San Antonio on a plane sent by the Florida government, Texas, prompting investigations from the local and national governments.
Adams called the unlawful transfers “part of a political ploy,” noting that many of the migrants did not know where they were being sent and did not consent to go. In contrast, his administration has said that all of the migrants transported from New York City did so knowingly and willingly.
“In contrast, New York City has, as we have discussed very publicly for months, worked to connect individuals with friends, family, and networks whether in New York City or outside of it,” spokesperson Kate Smart said in a statement. “We are not coercing people to leave, we are not suggesting or recommending locations, and we are not presenting any kind of false choice. We are helping people who want to reconnect with loved ones or communities do so."
Abbott sent over 9,700 migrants to New York City in the past six months, while DeSantis has transported around 85 to Martha’s Vineyard and California. In the past year, New York City has received nearly 80,000 migrants, which Adams has said is overwhelming city resources.
The mayor has also recently filed a lawsuit against 30 other counties in the state who have allegedly prevented asylum-seekers from finding shelter in their areas through executive orders. The city seeks to support migrants with housing in hotels as they arrive in the country.