NYPD dismantles migrant encampment on Randall's Island after sweep
RANDALL'S ISLAND, New York (WABC) -- The New York City Police Department dismantled an encampment on Randall's Island after they conducted a sweep on Wednesday and confiscated unregistered cars, motorcycles and mopeds.
The sweep was described as standard, but it coincided with the Adams administration's stance against tolerating encampments outside the shelter -- just as it would not allow them on city streets.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said police were sweeping for unregistered cars, stolen mopeds and motorcycles. NYPD brass has described it as a periodic sweep to enforce the law that everyone must abide by -- including confiscating vehicles potentially used in crimes.
"We don't care about your status, we're here to fight crime - whoever you may be - wherever you hang out - wherever you live," Chell said.
The action comes the day after City Hall addressed the encampments that have been set up near the migrant shelter.
Some migrants say they have nowhere else to go after reaching the 30-day shelter-residency limit.
The encampment torn down by police and parks officers had grown bigger and bigger outside the shelter doors.
On a summer day, people could be seen living and working -- and even cutting hair. There was also leftover trash and the remnants typical of just about any large gathering -- all steps away from a pedestrian bridge connecting to the rest of the city.
More than 200,000 migrants have come to the city in the past two years. Police say the objective is not to single out anyone based on their immigration status, but rather to crack down on crime.
Mayor Eric Adams has continued to say the ability to work and having the proper work authorization is a must so migrants can legally make ends meet.
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