New York City officials issued a vacate order for a Bronx furniture store discovered to house numerous migrants in hazardous living conditions, according to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). DOB issued the order on Wednesday due to life-threatening conditions, including severe overcrowding and inadequate natural light and ventilation.
At least ten people were removed from the store, which was found to have been illegitimately converted into a makeshift residence with 45 tightly packed beds. City authorities are unsure about the whereabouts of other possible residents who may have fled amid the official intervention.
The order follows a similar incident involving a Queens furniture store overseen by the same person. The Queens store was inspected and evacuated earlier in the week 74 migrants, primarily from West Africa, were found living there.
The store discoveries come amid a broader citywide crisis in housing and feeding migrants relocated to New York City from the southern border. As part of the Operation Lone Star plan initiated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, 37,900 migrants have reportedly been transported to the city since August 2022. City officials continue working to address these housing and humanitarian concerns.
The massive influx of migrants into New York City has also resulted in a significant increase in crime, leading Mayor Eric Adams to issue a call to change the city’s ‘sanctuary‘ status.
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