GOP House Members Sound Alarm Over Migrant Encampment at Floyd Bennett Field

House Republicans have expressed concerns over the National Park Service's decision to house migrants at Floyd Bennett Field, citing safety risks and increased crime in the area. They have raised concerns about the lack of background checks for migrants, the involvement of a private security firm, and the influx of migrants into New York City, which has led to budget concerns and local backlash.

House Republicans Raise Concerns Over Migrant Encampment at Floyd Bennett Field

House Republicans have expressed alarm over the National Park Service's decision to house migrants at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, citing a surge in criminal activity in the vicinity. In a letter to National Park Service Director Charles Sams, they outline their safety concerns for park employees, neighboring communities, and the migrants themselves.

The lawmakers highlight reports of domestic violence, assault, shoplifting, prostitution, and panhandling scams at and around the encampment. They express particular concern that migrants are not subject to basic background checks during the intake process.

They also note that the City of New York has contracted with a private security firm to oversee the occupants, despite the federal lease agreement designating the NYPD as the primary law enforcement authority on the premises. The lawmakers demand information on any arrest records or convictions of migrants residing at the camp.

Their concerns echo warnings from Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens, who has characterized the current migrant crisis as a national security threat. He estimates that approximately 1.5 million "gotaways" have evaded arrest since President Biden took office, and over 140,000 have illegally entered the country since October 1.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has also raised concerns about potential ties between overseas human trafficking networks and terrorist organizations like ISIS.

The influx of migrants has placed a significant financial burden on New York City, with the city estimating a $10 billion budget shortfall in the next fiscal year. The Department of the Interior leased Floyd Bennett Field to the city in August 2023, after lobbying by Governor Kathy Hochul to alleviate some of the costs associated with housing migrants.

The National Park Service had previously prohibited the use of its facilities for migrant shelters, and City Hall initially considered awarding a security contract to a friend of Mayor Eric Adams before partnering with a Texas-based firm. The migrant tent shelter has faced opposition from local residents in Brooklyn, who have described it as an "invasion of immigrants."

Mayor Adams has imposed a curfew on several migrant tent sites in an effort to curb panhandling. Incidents at other tent sites, including a fatal stabbing and drug dealing, have further escalated concerns. Notably, Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national accused of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, had also resided in a homeless shelter in New York City.

House Republicans have requested that the National Park Service provide all documents and communications related to the lease of Floyd Bennett Field by April 11. They emphasize the need to ensure the safety and security of park employees, surrounding communities, and the migrants themselves.