NYC sues Suffolk County, Town of Riverhead over response to state migrant crisis

In the lawsuit filed Wednesday, city attorneys said that the municipalities are violating state laws and the U.S. Constitution by trying to stop the city from relocating migrants to those locations.

News 12 Staff

Jun 8, 2023, 2:49 AM

Updated 567 days ago

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New York City is suing Suffolk County and the Town of Riverhead over their actions in response to the state's migrant crisis.
The municipalities are among dozens of counties that are accused of "walling off their borders."
In the lawsuit filed Wednesday, city attorneys said that the municipalities are violating state laws and the U.S. Constitution by trying to stop the city from relocating migrants to those locations.
In May, Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar signed an order prohibiting motels and other facilities from accepting migrants. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone then issued an emergency order telling county hotels, motels and shelters that they need county approval to accept migrants from the city.
Suffolk County did not return News 12's calls for comment.
Aguiar says Riverhead has not been served with the lawsuit yet. She says she will issue a statement once it is received and reviewed.