DOJ investigates NYC hotels turned migrant shelters

According to the New York Post, a subpoena was served to at least two hotels that housed migrants, including the Hotel Chander in Midtown Manhattan and the Roosevelt Hotel, which also served a s a welcome center for migrants going to the Big Apple.

The subpoena requested evidence as well as testimony about alleged violations of federal immigration law and asked for a “full names of aliens” that are still in the hotel. Additionally, the DOJ asked for a list of people or other entities that were funding the hotel’s management as well as operation as a migrant shelter.

Neither city officials nor the local New York City government has been issued the subpoena, according to the Post, citing sources. In addition, the outlet reported that the Chandler hotel is a standard homeless shelter, but the similarly named Candler Building in Times Sare has been providing shelter to migrants.

When the outlet reached out to the City Hall, spokesperson Liz Garcia told reporters, “We cannot comment on any type of federal investigation.” It is unclear how many hotels or shelters have been subpoenaed in the investigation. Rep. Nichole Malliotakis (R NY-11) spoke about the investigation on Fox News.

“I've actually been calling for this for quite some time, we need to be looking at those contracts that the city signed with these particular entities, billions of dollars in taxpayer money,” she said, and added that the rooms in some of the hotels are around $14,000 a month.

Over 230,000 migrants have made their way to New York City since the immigration crisis started under former President Joe Biden, leading to massive strain on the city’s infrastructure and other systems. The investigation appears to be in pattern with what Border Czar Tom Homan has said, that those who harbor illegal immigrants in sanctuary states may face legal penalties.

It has recently been announced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams that the Roosevelt Hotel will be shutting down its operations as a migrant shelter and welcome center for the foreign nationals.