Dept. of Justice subpoenas Manhattan hotels in migrant shelter investigation
DoJ targets NYC hotels in immigration probe
The Department of Justice has reportedly sent subpoenas to at least two Manhattan hotels, requesting identifying information on migrants housed there, including birth dates and nationalities. Sources say the federal government bypassed city agencies, going directly to the hotels for records related to alleged immigration law violations.
NEW YORK - Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed at least two hotels in New York City, demanding a list of individuals residing there and details on funding sources for New York City’s migrant shelter programs.
What we know:
The Department of Justice has subpoenaed at least two hotels, requesting names, identifying information, and funding details related to asylum seekers housed there. The subpoenas, issued by the Southern District of New York, reference an alleged violation of federal immigration law.
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City officials have not been directly subpoenaed, and sources tell FOX 5 that federal investigators sent subpoenas to the hotels themselves, rather than New York City agencies.
"We cannot comment on any type of federal investigation," a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.
What we don't know:
The exact reason for the subpoena has not been publicly disclosed, and federal prosecutors have not provided details on the alleged violation they are investigating. The Department of Justice has declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The backstory:
Since 2022, New York City has contracted with multiple hotels, particularly in Midtown Manhattan, to shelter asylum seekers. These shelters have been at the center of political controversy, facing backlash from local residents and national right-wing critics.
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