Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) attended a press conference today with Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R,C-Staten Island/Brooklyn), Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R,C-Staten Island) and their colleagues to call on Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City officials to address the ongoing migrant crisis that is surging the city. Recently, six migrants were arrested for attacking a New York City police officer in Times Square, and later, five of the six individuals were put on supervised release. However, it is believed they have fled on a bus across the country. The press conference was held immediately following New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ testimony during the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Local/General Government today, Feb. 6, 2024, in Albany.
“The horrendous attacks on the New York City police officers is the latest reminder of the dangerous conditions New York City’s sanctuary status and New York’s disastrous cashless bail system has created. Protecting public safety and enforcing laws within our criminal justice system is the duty of every elected official which is why I am once again demanding Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams repeal the sanctuary policies that have incentivized and brought illegal immigration to our front door."
In September of 2023 Slater called for a special session to be convened by Governor Hochul to pass needed legislation to address the ongoing migrant crisis. This included legislation he introduced A.7319-A, which would require New York State to register all migrants to assist with background checks and to monitor refugees seeking asylum in the state. (https://www.theexaminernews.com/slater-wants-special-state-session-this-fall-to-address-migrant-crisis/)
“If we are not going to hold criminals accountable for attacking a police officer then we have lost complete control of public safety. My colleagues and I are requesting President Biden, Governor Hochul and the City Council address the migrant crisis by securing the border and ensuring violent criminals are not crossing freely into our country and then given free housing, meals and a get-out-of-jail-free card once they arrive in New York City. We must hold people accountable, and that starts with removing soft-on-crime policies implemented by Albany Democrats,” said Assemblyman Michael Tannousis.
“Mayor Adams needs to take control of the situation in New York City. He has been given several opportunities to help and hasn’t done so. Instead these migrants are getting prepaid debit cards, being released without any bail, and today Mayor Adams would not commit to taking any actions against migrants. Policy such as legislation to allow state municipalities to have a registry for those seeking asylum would help to keep better records of these individuals. The assault of the two NYPD officers happened because of the lackadaisical policy in New York regarding the migrants that have flooded in. My constituents and I will continue to push policy to protect the people of New York City,” said Assemblyman Mike Reilly.