Suffolk County legislature says it will act to block asylum seekers sent from NYC

Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, a Republican, said the Legislature would introduce a motion to “authorize the hiring of a special counsel to pursue all legal options available to protect the unfunded location of any asylum seekers in Suffolk County.”

Bob Doda

May 21, 2023, 10:09 AM

Updated 333 days ago

Share:

Anti and pro-migrant demonstrators packed a raucous news conference Sunday morning to hear the Suffolk Legislature’s plan to block a possible influx of asylum seekers from coming into the county.
Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, a Republican, said the Legislature would introduce a motion to “authorize the hiring of a special counsel to pursue all legal options available to protect the unfunded location of any asylum seekers in Suffolk County.”
The Sunday morning announcement comes as New York City is attempting to find housing for thousands of migrants seeking asylum after crossing the U.S. border from Mexico.
McCaffrey said New York City Mayor Eric Adams has not asked Suffolk to take in migrants yet, but he said hiring outside counsel will help prepare the county to take action if it happens.
“We want to be able to go into court… take whatever action that we feel is necessary to protect the residents of Suffolk County,” he said. “We don't know who's coming over. This is going to be a burden not just on the local residents but it's going to be on our schools, it's going to be on our emergency services, our police.”
Rep. Nick LaLota (R – 1st District) agreed with and commended the proposed action the Legislature may take. He spoke at the news conference, saying “We honor immigration. We honor legal immigration.”
Protesters interrupted McCaffrey and LaLota, saying that the county should welcome the asylum seekers. They were also critical of the decision to hold the news conference on a Sunday morning.
LaLota responded to one protester who interrupted the news conference multiple times, “Are you finished?”
People who spoke to News 12 Long Island had differing views on how to handle asylum seekers.
“Instead of just shutting our doors, we need to sit together, come together and find ways to help these children and families with whatever resources we do have,” said Dr. Eve Meltzer-Krief, of Huntington.
Ellen DeDomenico told News 12 Long Island that her “taxes shouldn't have to pay for the illegals.”
“Anybody who wants the illegals, let them go to their house and let them pay double in taxes,” she said.
The Suffolk Legislature plans to draft a resolution to hire outside counsel at its general meeting on Tuesday. The meeting is open to the public.


More from News 12
2:19
New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

1:46
Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

0:28
Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

0:23
Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

2:00
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

0:17
Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

0:23
Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

0:26
Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

0:14
Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

1:50
Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road