Latimer: Westchester currently housing around 400 asylum seekers, including about 100 children

Despite concerns, officials report that crime rates have not risen since the migrants' arrival.

News 12 Staff

Aug 29, 2023, 10:22 AM

Updated 464 days ago

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Westchester County officials have issued an update on the ongoing migrant crisis, revealing that approximately 400 asylum seekers are currently being accommodated at various sites in Yonkers, Ardsley, and White Plains.
According to County Executive George Latimer, the majority of the asylum seekers are adults, with around 100 being minors who have not yet reached school-age. Despite concerns, officials report that crime rates have not risen since the migrants' arrival. Furthermore, authorities are diligent in ensuring that all asylum seekers are properly vaccinated.
Latimer emphasized that the expenses associated with sheltering the migrants are being covered by New York City. "In each of those different cases, it is the City of New York that's paying for room and board. Any other costs for public health or safety are absorbed into our normal budget, and so far, there's been nothing requiring us to exceed our budget," Latimer stated.
It is also important to note that Latimer stressed that the decision to provide shelter for migrants is not discretionary for New York City leaders. They are legally obligated to do so under the city's "Right to Shelter" mandate.