Shelter Provider, Defying City Policy, Warns Immigrant Families to Leave Temporarily

By
Mirela Iverac
WNYC News | Jul 15, 2019

As New York City prepared for immigration raids this past weekend, one homeless shelter provider took an unusual step.

Federal immigration agents are not allowed to enter shelters without a judicial warrant. Last week, the Social Services Department sent providers a reminder about the policy. But the city’s largest family shelter network, Win, advised immigrant families to leave shelters for a few days in case federal authorities showed up with a warrant, according to a source close to the organization.

“One of our jobs at Win is to keep our families safe,” said Win President and CEO Christine Quinn. “We take that job incredibly seriously and will not back down to anyone who threatens our clients, including the president of the United States.”

A city spokesman said immigration agents haven’t showed up at city shelters so far, but that any deviation from its policy stands to cause anxiety and fear among shelter residents.

 

Profile Image
Mirela Iverac

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Rahm Emanuel Says Israel’s Path Is “Not Sustainable Politically.” Plus, the Critic Richard Brody on “The Odyssey”

A likely Democratic presidential candidate says the U.S. must end unconditional support for Israel. Emanuel explains his proposal for Middle East peace, and his position on trans rights.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Smoke-filled skies are new normal for NYC summers, experts warn

Climate change has caused wildfires in Canada to grow more frequent and more intense, which creates a viscous cycle as the blazes pump more carbon into the atmosphere.
Gothamist |

From Subpoenas to Cockroaches: Journalist Intimidation 101

Plus, a documentary about the eBay stalking scandal.
On the Media |

Join us for a live series on what it means to make New York more affordable

We’re holding community events across New York City, “In Conversation: The Affordability Series,” through the rest of the year to explore real solutions to issues affecting millions of New Yorkers.
Gothamist |
YOU ARE ONLINE