Randall's Island migrant shelter plagued by unauthorized tents, trash, human waste: Report
NEW YORK - Many are questioning the quality of life at the state-funded Randall's Island migrant shelter where thousands of adults are currently living.
FOX 5's Lisa Evers spoke with officials who say you'll likely see half-naked men bathing by water fountains, trash and illegal mopeds.
During a recent investigation on Randall's Island, police seized dozens of mopeds and vehicles, some of which were stolen and unregistered.
Where is Randall's Island?
Randall's Island is a collective of islands called Randall's and Wards Island, in New York City.
They are separated from Manhattan by the Harlem River, from Queens by the East River, and the Bronx by the Bronx Kill.
Tent shelters were set up in Aug. 2023 to help with the city's ongoing migrant crisis.
Randall's and Wards Islands
Randall's Island Park, once one of the most picturesque spots in the city, is now reportedly filled with tent structures, litter and crime.
Park workers say that the waterfront took a big hit when it opened up as a migrant shelter last year.
At the time, there were a total of six tents for single and married adults at the center. The site would eventually hold up to 3,000 people, according to officials.
Now workers report that there are unauthorized tents and people without clothes on and ongoing violence.
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They even say they've seen men bathing by water fountains near children's play areas.
Doug, a Restoration Coordinator with the Randall's Island Park Alliance, says he's seen "speeding mopeds and scooters, all kinds of littering, trashing of green spaces, lawns getting trampled, [and] gardens getting trampled."
A female park worker says that "in the span of one 8-hour workday, [her] and other female staff [are] sexually harassed."
She says people try to get their attention by cat-calling them, whistling and even blocking their pathway on their mopeds.
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Darian, a sports field technician who ensures the fields on the island are in top playing condition, says that while he understands the need for shelter, the shelter has hurt thousands of city kids that used to have gym class nearby.
He says they used to use te field for their free time. "They don't come anymore. They used to come and walk down here, but the migrants are everywhere," he said.
"I guess the teachers got scared, so it's like they don't come [anymore]," Darian said.
Darian says the joggers and birdwatchers don't come out anymore either and that the climate of aggressive intimidation is to blame.
Even workers are being told to stay away.
"We've been asked not to work without some sort of law enforcement supervision just for the time being for safety," Doug said.
Workers say they appreciate the extra protection, but that it isn't sustainable.
They worry that the damage that's being done here will take many months to repair.