During a recent visit to a migrant housing facility in New York City, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faced vocal opposition from demonstrators demanding more robust border controls.
Since her election in 2018 for New York’s 14th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Queens and the Bronx, Ocasio-Cortez has emerged as a prominent and progressive voice among Democrats. Her vocal stances often draw attention from conservative groups, leading to occasional disruptions during her public events in the city.
Joined by New York Democratic Representatives Adriano Espaillat, Nydia Velázquez, and Jerry Nadler, Ocasio-Cortez visited the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan. This hotel is one of several establishments assisting migrants seeking asylum in the city. It’s worth noting that the presence of migrants in New York arises partly from policies in border states such as Texas, which transport them to primarily Democratic-led cities to the north.
Based on data shared by NYC Mayor Eric Adams and a report by The New York Times, the city has welcomed over 110,000 asylum seekers. The projected expenses related to their accommodation and services are expected to surpass $12 billion across three fiscal years.
Footage from the event, now shared on various social media platforms, reveals the congresswoman’s visit being interrupted by protestors voicing anti-immigrant sentiments, chanting phrases such as “close the border” and “send them back.” The volume of these protests made it challenging to hear the statements from the attending Democratic representatives, as highlighted by NBC News.
In a similar vein, anti-immigrant demonstrations were reported at other shelter sites the previous day, including Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn and several spots in Staten Island, the city’s most conservative borough.
New York City, adhering to a law from the early 1980s, commits to offering shelter and essential services to all in need, regardless of their immigration status. The recent wave of migrants from the south has led to the establishment of approximately 200 emergency shelters, incurring costs exceeding $2 billion.
NBC News conveyed that, amid the disturbances, Representative Espaillat managed to share his perspective. He mentioned the group’s intent to directly understand the immigration situation and emphasized that many migrants they met were escaping violence or environmental catastrophes, and were eager to work and contribute.
WATCH:
Democratic congresspeople shouted down by protesters shouting “close the border”! @wcbs880 @1010WINS @AOC @EspaillatNY @JerryNadler pic.twitter.com/dr0U56iWsj
— Marla Diamond (@MDiamond8) September 15, 2023
