ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. — The Erie County Executive candidate for the Republican and Conservative parties, Chrissy Casilio, held a news conference on Friday to discuss the migrant influx in Erie County.
"Mark [Poloncarz] must be held accountable for his failed leadership, lack of transparency, contempt for public input, and total submission to the will of New York City regarding the 400 plus migrants that have arrived in Erie County so far," Casilio said.
Casilio was joined by Erie County Legislature district seven candidate Michael Zachowicz and Cheektowaga councilmember Michael Jasinski.
The group discussed at length safety concerns and the apparent burden placed on Erie County taxpayers by the presence of migrants. Many of the claims were presented with no evidence.
Casilio said if she were Erie County Executive, she would have issued an emergency order to block the transport of migrants from New York City to Western New York.
Some 460 migrants are currently being housed in local hotels according to Jericho Road, which is the main local partner working with the company DocGo, which has been hired by New York City to handle the migrant situation.
On top of the emergency order, Casilio proposed that the Erie County Legislature pass legislation that would disperse migrants to individual districts that are willing to accept them.
"Pass a resolution, if it passes, those that voted for this can accommodate in their districts. If it fails, then Mark Poloncarz can start doing his job," Casilio said.
2 On Your Side asked Poloncarz if county resources are being used to support, aid, or provide security for the migrants in Western New York. The county executive was out of town, but a spokesperson said "no."
"This program is paid for by New York City Government, including extensive security costs," the spokesperson added.
Poloncarz has previously said that Western New York has been and should continue to be a welcoming place for migrants. His office and New York City have repeatedly maintained that no one besides New York City will foot the bill.
New York City has contracted with medical transport company DocGo to manage the migrant situation including security costs, food, and shelter. According to officials in Mayor Adams' office more than $1.4 billion had been spent statewide on support as of July 7.
If she were in office Casilio said she would still issue an emergency order and "pause" to figure out who is paying for what.
"New York City is running out of money and it is foolish to think that the fiscal situation isn't already our problem," said Casilio.
Similar emergency orders in several other New York counties are currently being challenged by New York City in state supreme court. Many have also been allowed to expire amid questions about their legitimacy and constitutionality.
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Casilio said her understanding was that New York City's only agreement was for hotel services, while also claiming that Erie County social and medical services may be used to aid migrants.
The majority of Erie County social services however require proof of income, U.S. identity, or a social security card, which migrants do not possess. Emergency services and those provided through 211 are accessible to everyone, including migrants.
Services are being provided to migrants through non-profit groups such as Journey's End, Jewish Family Services, Jericho Road Community Health Center, International Institute of Buffalo, and Catholic Charities of Buffalo. These non-profit organizations largely get funding from private donations, and state and federal grants.
"Well it's my understanding and I don't know their book but I would imagine that they would even have limitations," Casilio said.
When asked what her communication with these non-profit providers Casilio said she *has reached out but had not heard back. She has communicated with border patrol and homeland security she added.
"I'm saying that the priorities should always be the working families of Erie County," Casilio said.
As previously reported by 2 On Your Side, the New American Economy found that the foreign-born population in metro Buffalo increased by 32.3 percent, seeing over 7,700 refugees resettled in the area in a five-year period from 2009-2014. These residents contributed $3.1 billion to the metro's GDP in 2014 according to that same report.
"It's a little tough, because I don't know the full scale and I don't know the full scope because I'm not the county executive," Casilio said in response to what she would do about the situation.
She reiterated that she would issue an emergency order.
Casilio, candidate Michael Zachowicz and Cheektowaga councilmember Michael Jasinski all said safety has been a major concern expressed by neighbors.
2 On Your Side however spoke with Cheektowaga Police who said they have not received any complaints involving migrants and added that while the Department was initially worried about an increased workload, that has not come to fruition.
They did investigate one case involving a migrant who allegedly shoplifted and has since been referred to U.S. border protection.
When asked about their safety concerns and evidence, Jasinski doubled down.
"There have been calls. I have friends that live here off of Genesee, and they come home from work and find these people sleeping on their porches, laying on their lawns, walking in their backyard," Jasinski said.
"There's a legal process that our families followed. If we don't follow the law, it's anarchy," he added.
Authorities at the federal, state, and county levels have all confirmed that migrants living in Western New York have been vetted to enter the country. Upon entry, if they choose to file for asylum migrants are then provided an immigration court date.
Several migrants in Western New York have told 2 On Your Side their scheduled appearances aren't until November.
In the meantime, migrants also can't work as they face a waiting period of at least 180 days before they can receive work authorization, something state lawmakers are lobbying to speed up.