Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - On the day after Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz declared he would not do so, Legislator Jim Malczewski Sunday called upon the county executive to declare a state of emergency to avoid a potential immigration crisis in the county.
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Malczewski is introducing a resolution in the Erie County Legislature this week opposing the efforts of New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams to relocate migrants and asylum seekers to other parts of the state, which may include Erie County.
While no influx of asylum seekers has yet been noted in Erie County or Western New York, Malczewski says the call for an emergency is proactive in nature and points to problems elsewhere where proactive steps were not taken.
"What I'm seeing is, New York city, people are fleeing," said Malczewski during a Sunday morning press conference. "The 6 counties around us are very worried, they're very concerned and they're saying 'stop'. We don't have the resources for this." Malczewski also fears with the surrounding counties all taking action, any fleeing asylum seekers will target Erie County as their last option. "It's better to be proactive, than reactive."
Malczewski took particular aim at potential plans to house asylum seekers on SUNY campuses across the state. "You have about 3 months between the time that school ends and the time that school starts." The problem is not going away in 3 months, said Malczewski.
In his Twitter narrative Saturday, Poloncarz raised the issue of race and also called the actions of surrounding counties in declaring emergencies, 'morally repugnant'. "To me, what's morally repugnant is turning your backs on the residents of Erie County in giving them a dilemma that they didn't ask for."
Malczewski says the county is struggling to provide services to the current residents of Erie County.
"Bringing these migrants and immigrants here is just going to further burden the system."
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