**Justice Department Launches Criminal Probe Into NYC Migrant Shelter Hotels**
The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a criminal investigation into the funding and management of New York City hotels being used as shelters for migrants, according to a federal subpoena sent to a Manhattan hotel.
On Wednesday, federal prosecutors issued a subpoena to the Hotel Chandler in Midtown, requesting details about the migrant shelter program. The subpoena specifically sought a list of all migrants currently residing at the hotel, including their nationalities, birth dates, and identification numbers.
Additionally, the subpoena called for testimony and documentation related to a possible violation of federal immigration law. It requested information on the individuals and organizations responsible for financing and managing the shelter program, as well as any contracts or agreements associated with it.
However, it remains unclear why the Chandler was targeted, as the hotel, located on East 31st Street, had been converted into a homeless shelter years ago but does not currently house migrants. The broader scope of the investigation is also uncertain, including whether other hotels have received similar subpoenas.
The grand jury subpoena was issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. When asked for comment, spokesman Nicholas Biase referred inquiries to the Department of Justice in Washington, where a spokesperson declined to provide details, citing an “ongoing criminal investigation.”
As of Wednesday, New York City, which is currently sheltering approximately 43,000 migrants in various facilities, including repurposed hotels, had not received a subpoena, according to an official familiar with the matter.
Liz Garcia, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams, declined to comment, stating, “We cannot comment on any type of federal investigation.”
The Guardian was the first to report on Wednesday that a Manhattan hotel had received a subpoena, though the publication did not disclose the hotel’s name.
New York City’s migrant shelter system has faced scrutiny, particularly from the Trump administration, which has targeted the city—America’s largest sanctuary jurisdiction—as part of its broader immigration crackdown.
To accommodate the more than 230,000 migrants who have arrived since early 2022, the city entered into multimillion-dollar contracts with over 100 hotels. However, Republicans have criticized the use of hotels as shelters, arguing that it represents wasteful government spending.
Last month, the Trump administration abruptly withdrew $80 million in federal funds that had been allocated to help cover the costs of housing migrants in hotels. The administration specifically cited the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown, which had been converted into the city’s main processing center for migrants, portraying it as a hub for migrant gangs.
Shortly after, city officials announced plans to close the Roosevelt Hotel by June, citing a significant drop in the number of new migrant arrivals.
Source: nytimes.com