Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Town of Newburgh Supervisor Gil Piaquadio issued the following statement on Friday after being informed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams that the City will send approximately 60 asylum seekers to be temporarily housed at a hotel in Orange Lake in the Town of Newburgh.

“It is clear that the immigration crisis created by the Federal government has negatively impacted Orange County,” County Executive Neuhaus and Supervisor Piaquadio said. “It is a self-induced problem created by lack of planning and continues to burden our taxpayers. Our offices have been advised by the Mayor’s Office that the undocumented individuals are single men without children. We have questions about who these immigrants are and remain concerned if they were properly vetted. It is another example of the Federal government’s failed immigration policy and inability to control the border.”

Piaquadio was critical of the location chosen as it has no resources within walking distance. The Supervisor added that he has asked Mayor Adams to delay sending the asylum seekers to the Town of Newburgh.

“Mayor Adams said that he would hold off on sending a bus to Newburgh, but did not offer a timetable,” Piaquadio said. “We need questions answered about zoning, logistics, and who the individuals actually are.”