The County Executive’s Corner – Rockland Prevailed Against Short-Sighted Plans

It’s being reported that New York City is officially ending its flawed program to bus migrants to Rockland County and beyond; a “Decompression Strategy” that epitomized poor planning and disregard for community well-being. 

Rockland was the first County to be selected by the City of New York with a plan to house about 400 adult male migrants in a suburban Orangetown hotel. 

We took swift action, declaring a State of Emergency, filing a lawsuit against New York City, and enforcing stricter regulations to prevent unlicensed shelters. These efforts were not anti-immigrant but pro-community. They were aimed at addressing the broader consequences of Mayor Eric Adams’ poorly executed plan which failed both migrants and vulnerable populations already living in New York State.

Even before the City’s plan was discovered, my administration held a press conference with Congressman Mike Lawler, underscoring the surge Rockland was seeing from natural migration and the lack of infrastructure to accommodate the sudden arrival of hundreds of undocumented individuals. 

Our county is already grappling with a severe housing crisis, overcrowded schools, and stretched public services. Adding to these challenges would have risked the safety and well-being of both new arrivals and current residents.

Rockland’s opposition to the City’s plan inspired other counties and towns across the state to take similar action. Within 60 days of the City of New York’s decompression plan, 38 counties and three towns across the state followed our lead declaring States of Emergencies, in addition to filing lawsuits, to fight New York City trying to force its Sanctuary City declaration upon other communities. 

Together, we sent a strong message: local governments, on behalf of the residents we are duty bound to protect, will not sit back and be a scapegoat for poor planning at the state or city level.

We are proud of the stand we took in Rockland. We fought for fairness, for our residents, and for the fundamental principle that no community should bear the burden of another’s failure to plan. 

While the City of New York has finally abandoned this initiative, the work continues. We remain committed to addressing our housing crisis, ensuring public safety, and advocating for policies that consider the needs of all our residents.

Rockland has proven that small but determined communities can make a big difference. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these challenges together.