NYPD sweeps in, ends standoff between asylum seekers, city

The standoff between asylum seekers and the city has finally come to an end after police moved in Wednesday night to remove those protesting outside the Watson Hotel in Hell's Kitchen.

News 12 Staff

Feb 2, 2023, 12:01 PM

Updated 617 days ago

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The standoff between asylum seekers and the city has finally come to an end after police moved in Wednesday night to remove those protesting outside the Watson Hotel in Hell's Kitchen.
The city says the majority of migrants removed went to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal while six opted to go with family or friends. There were no arrests.
Behind those officers, the sanitation department threw away any items left behind. Further down the block, buses waited to take asylum seekers to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Mayor Eric Adams' office told News 12 any personal items left behind in the hotel rooms are still available for pick up.
The move was met with criticism from other local organizations, however. The Open Hearts Initiative called it a disproportionate use of force and saying in part, “I hope the mayor finds his heart and finds a better way to negotiate challenges than blaming 'outside agitators'.”
The city also says the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is still open for any asylum seekers who change their mind and need a place to stay.