In an unprecedented move, the County of Rockland has successfully secured a Temporary Restraining Order from the New York Supreme Court on Thursday, blocking New York City and Mayor Eric Adams from establishing a migrant shelter at the Armoni Inn and Suites in Orangeburg. The proposed shelter was slated to house 340 migrants, an addition that the county argues it cannot accommodate due to existing housing crises.
New York City’s plans have come under fire for perceived neglect of local and state laws, in addition to the ongoing State of Emergency in Orange County. As a safety measure, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will maintain a presence outside the hotel.
Rockland County Attorney Thomas Humbach clarified the court’s ruling, stating, “The City of New York lacks authority to establish a shelter outside of its boundaries and has also failed to adhere to the state’s rules and regulations required to set up such a facility. The Temporary Restraining Order now prevents the City from transporting individuals to Rockland County for shelter.”
County Executive Ed Day expressed concern over the impact of such a sudden influx of homeless individuals, given the county’s pre-existing severe housing crisis. “Many low-income families in Rockland already live in overcrowded, unsafe conditions,” Day said. “This proposal would effectively quadruple our homeless population overnight, exacerbating our housing issues and causing more people to live under dangerously inhumane conditions.”
Rockland County’s Human Rights Commissioner, Spencer Chiimbwe, emphasized the county’s commitment to immigration solutions and diversity but pointed out the lack of resources to support the proposed migrant numbers. “Our resources are already stretched thin, leaving us with no safety net to meet the needs of the proposed population,” Chiimbwe said. “Imposing such a burden on a resource-strapped region is not only unsustainable but also risks exacerbating homelessness in Rockland County.”
As the legal battle ensues, Rockland County officials are urging local residents to voice their concerns about the current immigration system to federal lawmakers. They have provided contact information for Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, asking constituents to reach out directly and push for a more sustainable solution.