Schenectady County providing assistance after relocation of migrants in Rotterdam

Schenectady County announced that the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office will aid the Rotterdam Police Department in responding to the challenges created due to the recent relocation of asylum-seekers to the Town of Rotterdam.

Approximately 90,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in New York City since last spring, leading city leaders to seek additional locations to house them.

In May, New York City began placing asylum seekers in counties throughout New York State wherever they can find a hotel operator to contract with.

Earlier this week New York City, through its contractor DocGo, signed a deal with the operator of the Super 8 Motel in the Town of Rotterdam, which is now housing approximately 183 asylum seekers that were previously within their jurisdiction.

“While the City of New York and their contractor DocGo have promised to provide services and security for the asylum seekers at the Super 8 in Rotterdam, their relocation to our community has created many challenges.” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We thank Sheriff Dagostino for stepping up to assist the Rotterdam Police Department with these challenges. We will continue working with our local government partners and not-for-profit agencies as we appeal to officials at the state and federal level for relief.

“The Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office is ready to provide mutual aid to the Rotterdam Police Department to help address any challenges that arise from the recent influx of asylum-seekers,” said Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino. “Working together we can help ensure the safety and security of everyone in our community.”