Suffolk County legislature says it will act to block asylum seekers sent from NYC

Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, a Republican, said the Legislature would introduce a motion to “authorize the hiring of a special counsel to pursue all legal options available to protect the unfunded location of any asylum seekers in Suffolk County.”

Bob Doda

May 21, 2023, 10:09 AM

Updated 341 days ago

Share:

Anti and pro-migrant demonstrators packed a raucous news conference Sunday morning to hear the Suffolk Legislature’s plan to block a possible influx of asylum seekers from coming into the county.
Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, a Republican, said the Legislature would introduce a motion to “authorize the hiring of a special counsel to pursue all legal options available to protect the unfunded location of any asylum seekers in Suffolk County.”
The Sunday morning announcement comes as New York City is attempting to find housing for thousands of migrants seeking asylum after crossing the U.S. border from Mexico.
McCaffrey said New York City Mayor Eric Adams has not asked Suffolk to take in migrants yet, but he said hiring outside counsel will help prepare the county to take action if it happens.
“We want to be able to go into court… take whatever action that we feel is necessary to protect the residents of Suffolk County,” he said. “We don't know who's coming over. This is going to be a burden not just on the local residents but it's going to be on our schools, it's going to be on our emergency services, our police.”
Rep. Nick LaLota (R – 1st District) agreed with and commended the proposed action the Legislature may take. He spoke at the news conference, saying “We honor immigration. We honor legal immigration.”
Protesters interrupted McCaffrey and LaLota, saying that the county should welcome the asylum seekers. They were also critical of the decision to hold the news conference on a Sunday morning.
LaLota responded to one protester who interrupted the news conference multiple times, “Are you finished?”
People who spoke to News 12 Long Island had differing views on how to handle asylum seekers.
“Instead of just shutting our doors, we need to sit together, come together and find ways to help these children and families with whatever resources we do have,” said Dr. Eve Meltzer-Krief, of Huntington.
Ellen DeDomenico told News 12 Long Island that her “taxes shouldn't have to pay for the illegals.”
“Anybody who wants the illegals, let them go to their house and let them pay double in taxes,” she said.
The Suffolk Legislature plans to draft a resolution to hire outside counsel at its general meeting on Tuesday. The meeting is open to the public.


More from News 12
1:55
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

2:03
Home Depot customers weigh in on recent stretch of bad encounters

Home Depot customers weigh in on recent stretch of bad encounters

1:55
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

2:13
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

0:56
Bronx nature-lovers celebrate arrival of cherry blossoms

Bronx nature-lovers celebrate arrival of cherry blossoms

0:30
Coney Island named a top 25 U.S. beach in Travel + Leisure

Coney Island named a top 25 U.S. beach in Travel + Leisure

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100