Restraining order prevents migrants from being bused to Rockland County

A state Supreme Court judge granted the county's request for a temporary restraining order to stop the City of New York from creating a shelter outside of its jurisdiction.

News 12 Staff

May 11, 2023, 9:26 AM

Updated 516 days ago

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While buses of migrant men have arrived in Orange County, Rockland County officials were granted a court-ordered restraining order on Thursday to prevent migrants from being bused to a hotel in that community. A state Supreme Court judge granted the county's request for a temporary restraining order to stop the City of New York from creating a shelter outside of its jurisdiction.
"The judge agreed with us that the county would suffer irreparable harm if this went forward improperly. and for that reason, he gave us that temporary restraining order," said Rockland County attorney Thomas Humbach.
The courts and state officials are now involved in the battle between some Hudson Valley officials and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. It started last week when Adams announced plans to send several hundred migrant men to stay at hotels in Orange and Rockland counties to free up space. New York City currently has more than 60,000 people who have illegally crossed the southern boarders.
"Right now, the city cannot bring people up here. Right now, the city cannot contract subcontractors to bring people up here," added Humbach. "As long as it's on that city program, they can't bring homeless people for a sheltering purpose to Rockland County."
Rockland and Orange officials say they too have had an influx of migrants that have put a strain on their communities from food pantries to the schools. Both county executives declared a state of emergency to block Adams' plan, arguing housing homeless people in hotels for four months is a violation of zoning laws.
Rockland County officials added they spoke with Gov. Kathy Hochul's office and claim officials there said they had no knowledge of Mayor Adams' plans to bus migrants to the Hudson Valley.
"And they also said the plan does not have their support nor their blessing. "What they do support is working with New York City on selecting appropriate sites within the city, " claims Rockland County Executive Ed Day.
The restraining order against the Orangeburg's Armoni Inn will stay in place until a hearing set for Monday in Rockland County Court.
Both parties are supposed to be back in court on May 30.
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