'It's a complete mess.' Orange County executive voices frustration over arrival of migrants

The migrants are expected to stay at the Crossroads hotel for up to four months, despite a state of emergency in Orange County.

News 12 Staff

May 12, 2023, 11:06 AM

Updated 362 days ago

Share:

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus took to social media Thursday night to voice his frustration after a bus carrying roughly 60 migrant men arrived in the county.
The migrants are expected to stay at the Crossroads hotel for up to four months, despite a state of emergency in Orange County. Neuhaus said the bus arrived without warning or any advanced notice to county officials.
Neuhaus said the county was told by Gov. Kathy Hochul's office that the migrants would not be coming to Orange County. He said one of his main concerns with the situation is not knowing who the men are and what happens now.
"We were talking about what their citizenship is, what their status is, what's their availability to go to work?" said Neuhaus. "Who's going to figure this out? Now, they're talking about some males coming into New York who are going to be forced to wear ankle bracelets, so you know where they are. It's a complete mess."
The New York Civil Liberties Union is suing the county, saying the state of emergency is unconstitutional. Some legislators agree.
Orange County Legislator Kevindaryan Lujan said Wednesday the county is positioned to help offset the services being provided by New York City.
"We're all going to fight tooth and nail to make sure this fake state of emergency is squashed in the courts," said Lujan.
The county executive also said both the county and the town of Newburgh are working to find out what sort of legal avenues they can pursue.
The influx comes in the wake of Title 42 ending. Federal lawmakers are in active talks to address the crisis and immigration reform.


More from News 12
0:30
‘We are heartbroken.’ Loved ones search for answers in case of missing New Paltz woman

‘We are heartbroken.’ Loved ones search for answers in case of missing New Paltz woman

2:18
Summerlike afternoon with highs in 80, rain and big cool down coming

Summerlike afternoon with highs in 80, rain and big cool down coming

0:20
Parents, NYCLU rally in Albany to demand changes in E. Ramapo schools

Parents, NYCLU rally in Albany to demand changes in E. Ramapo schools

0:48
Rockland community unites to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

Rockland community unites to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

0:28
Trial of Wallkill man suspected of hiring someone to kill his neighbor begins today

Trial of Wallkill man suspected of hiring someone to kill his neighbor begins today

0:27
Rye police: Car burglary highlights need to lock vehicles

Rye police: Car burglary highlights need to lock vehicles

1:46
Fire officials: Fatal Ossining fire doesn't appear to be suspicious

Fire officials: Fatal Ossining fire doesn't appear to be suspicious

1:14
Headlines: Woman stabbed in White Plains, fatal crash on I-84, body of missing guardsman found

Headlines: Woman stabbed in White Plains, fatal crash on I-84, body of missing guardsman found

0:31
Orange County school districts poised to implement wards for school board elections

Orange County school districts poised to implement wards for school board elections

0:32
SUNY Purchase agrees to suspend disciplinary consequences for protester arrested during campus demonstrations

SUNY Purchase agrees to suspend disciplinary consequences for protester arrested during campus demonstrations

0:19
Rabies alert issued in Sullivan County after fox tests positive

Rabies alert issued in Sullivan County after fox tests positive

0:38
Local thrift store hits $4 million in charitable giving to Northern Westchester hospital

Local thrift store hits $4 million in charitable giving to Northern Westchester hospital

0:40
New York honors fallen police officers with memorial wall dedication

New York honors fallen police officers with memorial wall dedication

0:30
New Rochelle maintains current elementary school start times despite cost concerns

New Rochelle maintains current elementary school start times despite cost concerns

0:21
Small business owners recognized for contributions during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Small business owners recognized for contributions during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

1:08
Sleepy Hollow music festival to debut with indie rock band Cold War Kids headlining

Sleepy Hollow music festival to debut with indie rock band Cold War Kids headlining

0:22
Trocheck's power-play goal lifts Rangers to 4-3 win over Hurricanes in 2OT for 2-0 series lead

Trocheck's power-play goal lifts Rangers to 4-3 win over Hurricanes in 2OT for 2-0 series lead

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

2:46
8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school

8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school