Anger Boils Over in Staten Island as Residents Protest Arrival of Illegal Immigrants
Tensions reached a boiling point on Staten Island Tuesday night, resulting in the arrests of 10 individuals after a group of fed-up residents took to the streets to block the arrival of a bus carrying dozens of illegal immigrants to a residential school that had been converted into a shelter.
“The police are arresting law-abiding American citizens to protect law-breaking non-citizens,” said Mark Fonte, a lawyer representing the residents of Staten Island. “The mayor is using his emergency powers to relocate unvetted immigrants to residential communities against the will of the people, and the people are angry.”
The arrival of the bus, which was headed to the former Island Shores senior assisted living facility, was intercepted by several dozen protesters who halted traffic, resulting in the arrests of 10 people. Nine individuals were issued summonses for disorderly conduct, and a 48-year-old man was charged with assaulting an officer.
Residents are concerned that the recent influx of illegal immigrants into the borough is changing the nature of their neighborhood and contributing to already high crime rates. Many are frustrated by the lack of community input in this decision-making process.
New York City Mayor Adams responded to the incident, calling the act of protest an “ugly display”. He insists that no amount of protests will stop the influx of illegal immigrants into the residential neighborhoods.
Staten Island is facing the consequences of a growing surge of illegal immigrants, as the city claims a legal obligation to provide housing for every resident under the “right to shelter” law. City officials claim that an estimated influx of 100,000 illegal immigrants has strained the city’s resources and services.
Mr. Fonte has had discussions with elected officials about a possible secession movement, but any chance of secession depends on the approval of both the New York City Council and the state Legislature.
Mr. Fonte fears mounting frustrations over the city’s refusal to consider the needs and desires of Staten Island residents could soon reach its boiling point. “If the mayor doesn’t come up with another plan this is only going to get worse,” he said. “They need to close the damn border.”
