A recent news report claimed that more than 15 migrants were dropped off at various local Long Island Rail Road stations in late September, but the Port Washington Police Department say they have received no report that supports this claim.
The North Shore Leader published a story this week claiming that a charter bus transported migrants from New York City and dropped them off at the Port Washington, Roslyn and Manhasset stations early in the morning on Sept. 27.
The publication cited information for its story was provided by witnesses and residents.
Port Washington Police Chief Robert Del Muro released a statement on Tuesday saying that they had not garnered any complaints or official record from either citizens or police officers that support this incident, what they referred to as a “rumor,” occurred.
Del Muro said the department also does not have any evidence to support these claims. He said they have also not noted any increase in the homeless population, which he said they are “generally aware of.”
The story from the North Shore Leader questioned whether this supposed incident was a part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to relocate migrants for job opportunities.
The governor announced on Oct. 2 that the Department of Labor had reached an agreement to secure 18,000 jobs provided by more than 400 employers to asylum seekers and migrants who could legally work in the United States.
Of the 18,000 jobs available, nearly 1,300 are available in Long Island.
North Hempstead Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte sent an email newsletter addressing the rumors. She said she contacted both the governor’s office and the Port Washington Police Department, both confirming the rumors were not true.
She advised residents to take caution in believing such claims.
“We are all living through a period of increased political polarization, heightened tensions, and anxieties, and during a time when false information spreads rapidly through social media,” Dalimonte said. “Please do your best to avoid enabling and perpetuating these problems.”
