Immigrants in NYC terrified after storm leaves shelter rattled
Luke Gentile
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Immigrants in New York City were left terrified on Monday after a large storm left their tent shelter rattled.
At least 1,700 people were staying at the tent shelter site at Floyd Bennett Field when heavy rain and 55 mph winds began rattling their quarters, leading to bolts and hinges falling, according to a report.
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“Pieces were falling from the roof,” one immigrant, identified as Peru native Leugim del Carmen Martinez Ordaz, said. “It’s so dangerous for the children. Things could fall on them.”
Several people collected the metal that fell and showed them to reporters, the report noted.
“The wind was so strong, it looked like the tents were going to give way and be blown apart,” another immigrant, identified as Venezuela native Reibi Rodriguez, said.
“[It] seemed the bolts were loosening,” Rodriguez said. “When we told security we were afraid of an imminent collapse, they told us the door was open and we could leave when we want. But where are we going to go?”
The storm left many rattled and without sleep, Geraldine Miere, another Venezuelan, said.
“Last night, since two in the morning, the children couldn’t sleep. Strong winds were shaking the tents. We were worried they would come apart at any moment,” she said. “We asked the staff for help, but they didn’t do anything. I heard one of them joke they would like to see a tent come down just to see what we would do.”
Along with falling metal, several tents at the site fell victim to flooding, but workers responded quickly, according to Ecuadorian immigrant Victoria Plaza.
Evacuating the site had been planned by City Hall leading up to the large storm, but it was decided not to be put into action, according to the report.
Multiple officials from City Hall also said they were not made aware of the falling metal.
“Those facilities, those tents, they are geared for very, very high winds,” city Commissioner of Emergency Management Zach Iscol said regarding the evacuation plan. “We had very high winds this morning, but we did not hit the trigger.”
It is well recognized by city leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams, that Floyd Bennett is not the most ideal location to house the immigrants, according to Iscol.
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“When I was out there this morning, you see young children who are afraid. You see families who are unable, you know, who are worried and concerned because of the weather,” Iscol said.
“This is what the federal government provides. Our team is doing amazing work to make it work and keep people safe,” he said.