Fact Check: New York housed nearly 70,000 migrants last January, now down to 37,000.

Fact Check: "New York housed nearly 70,000 migrants last January, now down to 37,000."

What We Know

In January 2024, New York City experienced a peak in its migrant population, housing nearly 70,000 individuals in shelters. This figure has since decreased significantly. As of June 2025, the city reported that it is currently housing over 37,000 migrants across approximately 170 sites (Washington Post). The decline in numbers has been attributed to various factors, including federal policy changes and the city’s own management strategies aimed at reducing the number of individuals in shelters (Mayor Adams Announces new Round of Migrant Shelter Closures).

The city has implemented measures such as limiting the duration of stay in shelters and facilitating the transition of migrants to self-sufficiency, which has contributed to the decrease in shelter occupancy. Reports indicate that the number of new migrant arrivals has also slowed, from an average of 4,000 per week at the height of the crisis to fewer than 100 per week by mid-2025 (New York Times).

Analysis

The claim that New York housed nearly 70,000 migrants last January and has now reduced that number to 37,000 is partially true. The initial figure of 70,000 is corroborated by multiple sources, including city officials and news reports (Washington Post, New York Times). The current figure of approximately 37,000 is also supported by official statements from the city, which indicate a significant reduction in the number of individuals receiving shelter services (Mayor Adams Announces new Round of Migrant Shelter Closures).

However, the exact number of migrants currently housed varies slightly across different reports. For instance, some sources indicate that the number is closer to 51,000 rather than 37,000, which suggests that the situation is fluid and numbers can fluctuate based on ongoing arrivals and departures (NYC Asylum Seeker Update, AP News). Additionally, the claim does not specify the timeframe of the reduction, which is critical for understanding the context of these figures.

The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they include official statements from the city government and reputable news organizations. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in how different outlets may interpret the implications of these numbers regarding the migrant crisis and city management.

Conclusion

The claim that "New York housed nearly 70,000 migrants last January, now down to 37,000" is partially true. While the figures regarding the peak and current migrant populations are accurate, the exact current number may be higher than stated, and the context of the reduction is essential for a complete understanding. The situation remains dynamic, influenced by ongoing policy changes and the fluctuating number of new arrivals.

Fact Check: New York housed nearly 70,000 migrants last January, now down to 37,000.