Erie County Halts Arrival of Asylum Seekers Following Sexual Assault Arrests

A 22-year-old asylum seeker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an employee at a hotel in Cheektowaga, New York. This is the second case of alleged sexual assault involving asylum seekers in the area in recent weeks. As a result, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has announced that no more asylum seekers will be sent to Western New York from New York City while security efforts are improved. Poloncarz has called for the immediate closure of the hotel and reimbursement from New York City for the costs associated with securing the hotels and neighborhoods. The National Guard will be dispatched to provide additional security, and a new security plan is being discussed with NYC Mayor Eric Adams.