Mayor Adams announces the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel shelter, marking a significant development in New York City’s migrant crisis response.
Mayor Eric Adams marked a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing response to the migrant crisis with the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel, which had served as a temporary mega-shelter for migrants since its reopening in May 2023. The hotel closed its doors in June 2025, having previously operated as a shelter for those navigating challenging circumstances in the wake of a complex immigration landscape. The facility had notably represented the first point of contact for many migrants entering New York City, especially during a period of significant congestion amidst the crisis.
Originally shuttered in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Roosevelt Hotel was re-established as a shelter as the number of migrant arrivals surged. Throughout its operation, the hotel became emblematic of the city’s struggles, highlighted by images of hundreds of migrants waiting outside for available accommodations. Recent trends have demonstrated a sharp decline in the number of migrants seeking shelter, attributed in part to deportation measures and reduced border crossings.
In discussing the closure of the shelter, Mayor Adams emphasized the gravity of the migrant situation, noting that approximately 237,000 migrants and asylum seekers had passed through the city’s system during its peak. The mayor’s acknowledgment of the hotel as a symbol of these circumstances indicates a recognition of the significant challenges faced by the city amid shifting immigration patterns.
Criticism has been directed at the hotel’s management from various political quarters, particularly regarding accusations from the former Trump administration, which characterized the facility as unsafe and a hotspot for crime linked to organized gangs. The Adams administration has vehemently contested these allegations, asserting their commitment to ensuring safety and care for those in need.
Molly Schaeffer, the director of the city’s Office of Asylum Seeker Operations, expressed pride in the efforts made to assist thousands of families, emphasizing the hard work and compassion that characterized the response to the influx of migrants. Additionally, Anne Williams-Isom, a former member of the Adams administration, reaffirmed a commitment to providing quality support during her tenure, despite resigning partially due to concerns over the administration’s immigration policies.
The Roosevelt Hotel’s closure signifies both an end to a critical chapter in New York City’s response to immigration challenges and a potential shift in the broader dynamics of migrant support within the metropolis. As the city navigates this evolving landscape, the focus will shift to developing sustainable solutions that address the needs of newcomers while maintaining public safety and community cohesion.
