Schuyler County in the Southern Tier has declared a State of Emergency over concerns related to the expiration of Title 42 and the potential influx of asylum seekers and migrants. The declaration, issued by County Attorney Steven Getman on behalf of County Legislative Chair Carl Blowers, states that the county lacks the necessary resources and is under no legal obligation to provide services to these individuals.
The State of Emergency outlines concerns regarding the county’s capacity to accommodate migrants or asylum seekers, citing its status as the second least populated county in New York. It also references neighboring Tompkins County, which it labels a “sanctuary county.” The order prohibits any business or individual in Schuyler from contracting with entities transporting or housing migrants or asylum seekers and imposes fines of up to $2,000 per person for any violations.
Effective immediately, the order enables the Schuyler County Sheriff to stop anyone suspected of transporting or housing migrants and inform them of the emergency restrictions. Violation of these restrictions constitutes a Class B Misdemeanor. The State of Emergency is scheduled to last for five days, with the option for renewal as necessary.
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