Upper East Side of Manhattan (WABC) — The demonstrations are over, but the questions are far from over – what to do about the growing immigration crisis? Buses keep coming into New York City every day, and the city is running out of beds and money. Many taxpayers are also losing patience.
Dozens of people gathered at the Gracie Building on Sunday afternoon, and the atmosphere was intense. To quell all the anger, it started rallies against the migrant crisis.
Organizer Curtis Sliwa criticized Mayor Adams, who said earlier this summer that he would welcome some families to Gracie Mansion if allowed to do so.
“The next day, he flipped a script and said he couldn’t do it. Who told you you couldn’t do it? You’re the mayor,” Sliwa said.
The crowd largely agrees that immigration laws exist for a reason, must be followed, and that President Biden has left the back door open as well as the front door.
“This is not left-wing or right-wing politics. This is the crisis we face. That’s why we’re here. To raise awareness,” protester Angel Perez said.
“We all support legal immigration. We all come from somewhere. But this is unacceptable,” said Bayside resident Ted Burniaz.
For a time words became body language. Flags were stolen and trampled when counter-protesters tried to set fire to them.
Eventually, the two sides parted ways as the immigration crisis continued to divide the country.
“Do you want a compromise? Move them to Rikers Island,” Sliwa added.
Late Sunday afternoon, City Hall issued a statement saying,
We have opened 206 locations, including 15 major humanitarian relief centers, and are constantly looking for new locations. “
There were many calls in the crowd for stronger borders and effective enforcement of the country’s immigration policy. Until then, immigrants continue to be sent to communities that can’t really handle the influx, and to communities that start to pull back the welcome mat.
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