Ex-Gov. Paterson David Paterson Sounds Alarm on Rising Crime and Migrant Issues in New York City

Former Governor David Paterson has raised concerns over what he describes as a troubling rise in crime and unrest in New York City, particularly highlighting incidents involving migrants. During an appearance on 770 WABC’s “The Cats Roundtable,” Paterson criticized the city’s handling of the migrant influx and its impact on local safety and order.

One specific incident Paterson referred to was an alleged mugging on the 7 train involving an 11-year-old Venezuelan boy. This case has drawn significant attention due to the young age of the suspect and the fact that he is a migrant. According to police reports, this child has been linked to a series of robberies in Central Park as well. Paterson used this case to underscore his point about the challenges the city faces with its current migrant situation.

“The first thing that [people] notice is that this is a migrant,” Paterson said. He suggested that the influx of migrants, many of whom are arriving without sufficient integration support, has contributed to an increase in crime and disorder. Paterson emphasized that while not all migrants are involved in criminal activities, the presence of a “sizable number” of individuals engaging in criminal behavior is straining city resources and impacting community safety.

Since 2022, New York City has invested approximately $5.5 billion to shelter and provide services for the large number of migrants arriving in the city. Despite this substantial expenditure, Paterson believes that the current approach is insufficient and that more effective policies and adjustments are needed.

Paterson also expressed concern about the broader context of crime in the city, mentioning an increase in incidents in typically safe areas like Central Park. He criticized recent protests, including one outside a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in Harlem, for escalating into violence and vandalism. Notably, the Bird in Hand restaurant was vandalized during these protests, an event Paterson condemned as part of a growing trend of antisocial behavior.

While Paterson acknowledged that overall crime rates might be decreasing, he remains troubled by the high-profile incidents involving migrants and chaotic protests. He argued that such events contribute to a growing sense of unease among residents and could potentially impact their decision to live in the city. Paterson called for a reassessment of current law enforcement strategies and possibly an increase in police presence to address these issues effectively.

In a separate interview, Republican Senator Ted Cruz from Texas weighed in on the situation, attributing the crisis partly to policies implemented by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Cruz argued that the current administration’s approach to immigration stands in stark contrast to that of former President Barack Obama, who he said enforced immigration laws more rigorously and deported millions of illegal immigrants.

Cruz criticized the Biden administration for what he described as a deliberate disregard for immigration laws and for enabling a significant increase in illegal border crossings. He claimed that this lenient approach has exacerbated the migrant crisis, leading to challenges faced by cities like New York.

“The left got very angry with Obama. They called him ‘the Deporter in Chief,’” Cruz noted, contrasting Obama’s immigration enforcement with the current administration’s policies, which he believes are contributing to what he described as an “invasion.”

Both Paterson and Cruz’s comments reflect growing concerns about the impact of migration and crime on urban environments. As the debate continues, city officials and policymakers will face increasing pressure to find solutions that address these complex and interconnected issues.