Monroe County Executive Adam Bello is elaborating on his decision to call for the National Guard to help migrants who were sent to Rochester from downstate.
The county's response to the arrival of the asylum seekers will be bolstered by 27 National Guard members who are expected to arrive on Friday.
There are now fewer asylum seekers still sheltered at the downtown Holiday Inn after 30 left the city. There were originally 77 who arrived from New York City last week.
"It'll be irresponsible of a county executive not to seek additional support as you go forward to make sure that this continues to go well," said Bello. "And the experience we had over the last week continues to be the experience in the weeks and months to come. What we did is chose to do the responsible thing as to continue to ask for additional support."
The National Guard troops will be stationed at the Holiday Inn to provide assistance with emergency housing and other services.
There has been no word yet on whether additional migrants are heading to Monroe County from downstate. Bello says at this time he has not heard of more migrants being sent from New York City.
Rochester City Council Vice President Mary Lupien and Councilmembers Stanley Martin and Kim Smith on Friday released a statement, saying:
"Following recent calls from County Executive Adam Bello, the National Guard has been sent to Rochester in the wake of the arrival of 77 migrants transported from New York City.
In our view, this measure is unacceptable, and overpolices an incredibly vulnerable group of people in our city.
Immigrants are a vital piece of the Rochester community, and the contributions they make to our city are immeasurable. Rochester is a Sanctuary City, and our new residents must be welcomed with open arms — not met with excessive scrutiny.
The presence of the National Guard serves as little more than a reminder of the racism and xenophobia felt too deeply, and by too many, in our community.
Instead of bringing the National Guard to Rochester, New York State and Governor Hochul should send positive resources to support migrants in our city. Housing, workforce training and education are far more productive resources that would support our new residents and give them the tools they need to thrive in Rochester — just as so many immigrants in our city do.
We’re calling on Governor Hochul to remove the National Guard from Rochester, and take steps to contribute resources that will actually leave a positive impact on migrants in Rochester.
Lastly, we encourage all who are able to support migrants in Rochester with donations of clothes, hygiene products, monetary contributions and all other necessities.”
