Mayor Eric Adams says NYC’s Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter will soon close

New York City to Close Major Migrant Shelter as Numbers Decline

In a significant move, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday that the Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter in Manhattan will close its doors in the coming months. This decision marks a turning point in the city’s response to the influx of migrants that began in May 2023. The Roosevelt Hotel, a converted facility with approximately 1,000 rooms, has served as a critical hub for processing migrants, with over 173,000 individuals passing through its doors since its opening. Mayor Adams emphasized that the closure reflects the progress the city has made in managing the unprecedented international humanitarian crisis. He credited the successful strategies implemented in New York City and the policies advocated for at the border for this achievement. A source revealed to the New York Post that the shelter is expected to close by June.

The announcement comes as the number of migrants in New York City’s shelter system has significantly decreased. In January 2024, the city reported around 69,000 migrants in its shelters, but that number has dropped to less than 45,000. Additionally, the weekly influx of migrants into the city has slowed dramatically. At one point, approximately 4,000 migrants were arriving in New York City every week, but that figure has now dwindled to an average of 350. Even during the final weeks of Joe Biden’s presidency, when migrant arrivals were at their peak, only 400 to 500 new migrants were seeking assistance from the city each week. These declining numbers suggest that the city’s efforts to manage the crisis are bearing fruit.

The closure of the Roosevelt Hotel shelter is part of a broader strategy by the city to consolidate and close migrant care sites. In December, Mayor Adams announced that 25 shelters would be closed in the coming months, citing the need to save taxpayer money while continuing to effectively manage the response to the migrant influx. The city has been working to streamline its operations and reduce costs, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. As the Roosevelt Hotel shelter prepares to shutter its operations, officials have assured that migrants who arrive after its closure will still have access to other registration locations across the city. This ensures continuity of support for those seeking help.

The Roosevelt Hotel shelter has not been without its challenges. Reports have surfaced linking the facility to gang activity, raising concerns about safety and security. While the city has worked to address these issues, the closure of the shelter is seen as an opportunity to move migrants to more suitable and secure locations. The consolidation of shelters is expected to improve conditions for both migrants and the communities in which these facilities are located. By focusing on fewer, more efficient sites, the city aims to provide better services while minimizing disruptions to local neighborhoods.

Mayor Adams’ office has not yet responded to requests for further comment, but the decision to close the Roosevelt Hotel shelter aligns with the city’s broader goals of managing the migrant crisis effectively. As the number of migrants continues to decline, the city is shifting its focus from emergency response to long-term solutions. This includes advocating for federal policies that address the root causes of migration and ensuring that New York City is equipped to handle future challenges without overburdening its resources.

In conclusion, the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter represents a significant milestone in New York City’s efforts to manage the influx of migrants. The city has made remarkable progress in reducing the number of migrants in its shelters and slowing the rate of arrivals. By consolidating shelters and closing unnecessary facilities, the city is saving taxpayer money while ensuring that migrants continue to receive the support they need. As the situation evolves, New York City remains committed to finding sustainable solutions to this complex issue, balancing compassion with practicality. The closure of the Roosevelt Hotel shelter is not an end to the city’s efforts but rather a new chapter in its ongoing response to the migrant crisis.