The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into New York City hotels serving as migrant shelters, as reported by media outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times. The investigation involves a federal subpoena sent to a New York hotel housing migrants, seeking a list of names of the individuals staying there. This information was not immediately commented on by the Justice Department or the office of Mayor Eric Adams.
The Hotel Chandler in Manhattan is reportedly the focus of the subpoena, with attempts to contact the hotel proving unsuccessful. The subpoena is related to alleged violations of immigration law and aims to identify the individuals and entities responsible for funding and managing the migrant shelter program.
New York City and other municipalities have faced criticism for receiving federal funds to support migrant housing costs. A recent court ruling did not compel the Trump administration to return $80.5 million in grants to New York City for this purpose.
Under a legal decree, New York State is obligated to provide shelter for individuals without homes, leading to various efforts to house arriving migrants. Mayor Adams, facing separate corruption charges, is also under scrutiny by the Trump administration in connection with immigration enforcement.
(Adapted from Reuters reporting by Brad Brooks in Colorado; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
