A Home Depot store in New York has deployed a guard dog to protect shoppers from aggressive migrants and thieves in their parking lot. The guards were seen patrolling the New Rochelle location with a German Shepherd, hired for reasons including preventing break-ins and unauthorized solicitation. While the guarded lot was quiet, the nearby Throggs Neck store in The Bronx had around 30 male migrants soliciting customers or seeking work opportunities. The presence of these migrants has caused concern among employees and customers due to aggressive behavior and harassment.
The employees at the store have encountered various issues with migrants, including attempts to sell fake goods and constant solicitation for work or tips. Many women feel uncomfortable when approached by these migrants, with some instances of theft occurring in the parking lot. The increase in the migrant population in New York City has contributed to a rise in the number of individuals loitering outside the store, creating a challenging environment for employees and customers alike.
One customer, Cheryl, recounted a frightening encounter with a migrant who followed her and her husband while they were shopping. Despite repeatedly declining his assistance, the man continued to pursue them, escalating the situation. After alerting the man with pepper spray, they managed to leave the store safely. Customers have expressed concerns about the invasive and sometimes aggressive behavior of migrants at the stores, prompting calls for additional security measures.
Employees at Home Depot have reported incidents of migrants invading personal space, touching belongings, and harassing customers, leading to complaints and concerns among shoppers. The company has acknowledged the issues and is working on bringing security dogs to two Bronx stores to address the growing number of incidents involving migrants. The situation has made it difficult for legitimate day laborers like Jimeno, a 52-year-old Mexican national, to find work as potential employers are wary of engaging with migrants due to aggressive solicitation tactics.
The migrant population at Home Depot stores in The Bronx has caused tension between legitimate day laborers seeking work opportunities and those engaging in aggressive solicitation. The newcomers who aggressively solicit for tips have created a negative perception of all migrants, affecting the ability of genuine workers to find employment. Despite the challenges, Home Depot has not confirmed whether additional security, including guard dogs, will be implemented in response to the ongoing issues with migrants at their stores. The company emphasizes their commitment to preventing loitering and unauthorized solicitation at their locations, while also working closely with law enforcement to maintain security.
