Fact Check: "The Roosevelt Hotel housed over 173,000 migrants during its operation."
What We Know
The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City was repurposed as a shelter for asylum seekers starting in May 2023. According to a statement from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the facility played a crucial role in the city's response to the influx of migrants, processing over 173,000 registrations between its opening and February 2025. This figure is part of a larger context where more than 232,000 migrants have sought assistance from the city since the spring of 2022, with the hotel serving as a centralized intake center for many of these individuals (Mayor Adams Announces Forthcoming Closure of Roosevelt Hotel Asylum).
Analysis
The claim that the Roosevelt Hotel housed over 173,000 migrants is substantiated by multiple sources. The official announcement from Mayor Adams explicitly states that this number reflects the registrations completed at the hotel during its operation as a shelter for asylum seekers (Mayor Adams Announces Forthcoming Closure of Roosevelt Hotel Asylum). This source is credible as it comes directly from the city's administration, which is responsible for managing the shelter and migrant services.
Additionally, the Wikipedia entry on the Roosevelt Hotel corroborates its recent use as a shelter for asylum seekers, providing context about its history and the transition to serving migrants. However, while Wikipedia is a useful starting point, it is essential to cross-reference with primary sources for verification.
A report from the Associated Press also confirms the closure of the migrant arrival center at the Roosevelt Hotel, noting its significance as a first stop for many migrants (New York City closes arrival center for migrants in once grand). This further supports the claim regarding the number of migrants processed at the hotel.
The reliability of these sources is high, particularly the official statements from the city government, which are typically well-documented and fact-checked. The Associated Press is also a reputable news organization known for its journalistic standards.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Roosevelt Hotel housed over 173,000 migrants during its operation" is True. The evidence provided by official city announcements and reputable news sources confirms that the hotel served as a critical facility for processing a significant number of asylum seekers during a time of increased migration to New York City.
