NYC's Floyd Bennett Field Migrant Shelter Closing in January

The controversial migrant shelter at Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field will close in January 2025. This is one of 25 city-run emergency shelters across NYC and upstate New York scheduled to close in the coming months due to a decrease in asylum seekers.

Mayor Eric Adams attributes the closure to successful management strategies, stating that NYC is handling the crisis better than any other city. However, the shelter's closure follows reports of increased crime in surrounding areas and safety concerns for both residents and asylum seekers.

Concerns Raised by Local Residents:

Residents near the shelter have reported increased shoplifting, panhandling, and other issues since its opening. In addition, incidents such as domestic assault, a gun bust, and multiple assaults have occurred within the shelter itself.

City Officials' Response:

City Hall officials emphasize the shelter's role in providing critical aid and resources to asylum seekers. The Mayor's Office of Asylum Seeker Operations Executive Director highlights the intensive case management services which have helped over 170,000 migrants move towards self-sufficiency since October 2023.

The Future:

The shelter's closure leaves questions about the relocation of the approximately 2000 residents currently housed at Floyd Bennett Field. Fifteen of the 25 shelters slated for closure are located in four NYC boroughs; the remaining ten are upstate. The Randall’s Island migrant center will also close by the end of February 2025.