In a concerning turn of events, it has been revealed that at least 41 individuals have been arrested at the Roosevelt Hotel since it was converted into a migrant shelter earlier this year. According to law enforcement sources, the majority of these arrests were related to domestic violence incidents. This disconcerting figure came to light just a day after a 30-year-old migrant residing at the Manhattan hotel-turned-shelter was apprehended for alleged child endangerment. The accused, who happens to be the father of the 11-year-old victim, was taken into custody on Saturday evening at the hotel located at 45 E. 45th St.
Although the Manhattan District Attorney's Office declined to prosecute the case, stating no immediate reason for their decision, this incident has sparked concerns about the safety and security of the migrants residing at the shelter. It also raises questions about the adequacy of the measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals within the facility. The District Attorney's Office has not responded to requests for comment on this matter.
Furthermore, other arrests have taken place at the Roosevelt Hotel shelter, further highlighting the disturbing trend of criminal activities occurring within these migrant shelters. One such incident involved an asylum seeker who allegedly assaulted an employee by striking him on the head with a “No Parking” sign in June. The altercation took place after the worker ejected the individual from the building due to his disruptive behavior. The employee sustained a significant 6-inch laceration on his head as a result of the attack. The severity of the incident prompted Mayor Eric Adams to make an unannounced visit to the hotel to assess the situation personally.
Unfortunately, the Roosevelt Hotel is not the only migrant shelter facing issues of violence and criminality. Another incident occurred at the Stratford Arms Hotel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where a 20-year-old migrant woman was arrested for allegedly slapping an NYPD officer who was attempting to confiscate her unregistered motorbike. The woman, who had been previously arrested in July for attacking her boyfriend, was released the following day without bail, in accordance with state law.
These incidents have drawn attention to the challenges faced by migrant shelters throughout the city. In fact, the Roosevelt Hotel itself garnered attention during the summer when a distressing video emerged, revealing dozens of migrants forced to sleep on cardboard on the sidewalk due to the overwhelming influx of asylum seekers. Local businesses have voiced their concerns about the situation, with some lamenting the disturbance caused by the migrants. One store manager, George Boahene, expressed his frustration, stating, "These migrants here, they are disturbing us a lot. They are always hanging around scratching the windows and making the windows dirty. It's not good for the business." However, it is important to note that Boahene was unaware of the alleged crimes taking place within the hotel.
While some individuals working at the Roosevelt Hotel claim that the migrants are mainly Uber Eats workers who primarily take care of their children, the security guard acknowledges the issue of parking violations in the area. With a disproportionate number of tickets being issued, parking appears to be a major challenge in the vicinity.
In light of the recent arrest and the subsequent revelation of numerous other incidents at the Roosevelt Hotel-turned-migrant shelter, it is imperative that authorities address the safety concerns and ensure the well-being of those seeking refuge within these facilities. The incidents serve as a reminder of the difficulties faced by migrants and of the importance of adequate resources and security measures to protect them during their time of need.
