Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis is accusing the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams of not providing her with requested data on crimes committed by migrants in or around taxpayer-funded shelters. The congresswoman had requested this information under the Freedom of Information Law in January. The request included asking for statistics on crimes committed within a five-block radius of a City-run migrant shelter and information on arrestees listing a City-run shelter as their home address. However, Malliotakis stated that the NYPD responded multiple times saying the information would not be available until November 15, after the election where the US border and migrant crisis has become a top voter concern.
Malliotakis believes that the delay in providing the requested information is a form of stonewalling by the administration. She expressed frustration at the lack of transparency, stating that the public has a right to know. The congresswoman also suggested that either the administration is intentionally stonewalling her request, or there are significantly more crimes being committed by migrants than can be tabulated in a year, which she finds to be concerning. Malliotakis has been vocal about her concerns regarding the impact of migrants on public safety, especially in the context of taxpayer-funded shelters.
The NYPD responded to inquiries by stating that they are currently working on the Freedom of Information Law request. The city’s sanctuary law restricts officers from inquiring about the immigration status of criminal defendants, which limits the reporting of such information. A recent report by The Post highlighted the growing number of migrants entering the criminal justice system, with one Manhattan cop estimating that a significant percentage of arrests in the area involve migrants. The arrests mainly relate to offenses including robberies, assaults, domestic incidents, and selling counterfeit goods.
Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom addressed the issue during a press briefing by stating that individuals being arrested in New York City do not necessarily lose access to taxpayer-funded shelters. She acknowledged that various groups experiencing challenges, such as unemployment, may resort to engaging in criminal activities, leading to their arrest. The issue of migrants entering the criminal justice system has sparked concerns about public safety and the impact on communities. Malliotakis’s efforts to access data on crimes committed by migrants in or around taxpayer-funded shelters are part of a larger conversation on immigration policies and their consequences on law enforcement and public safety.
The delay in providing requested data on crimes committed by migrants has caused frustration for Malliotakis and raised questions about the transparency of the administration. The congresswoman’s concerns about public safety and accountability regarding crimes involving migrants in New York City reflect broader debates on immigration policies and their implications. The impact of migrants on the criminal justice system, access to taxpayer-funded shelters, and community safety are all important issues that require attention and transparency from city officials. As the situation continues to evolve, addressing these concerns will be essential for ensuring the well-being of all residents in the city.
