Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into multiple New York City hotels being used as migrant shelters, requesting financial records and information on those housed there. Subpoenas have been issued to the Roosevelt Hotel and Stewart Hotel, both of which have been central to the city’s handling of illegal immigrants.
The Roosevelt Hotel has functioned as a major intake center, processing over 170,000 migrants since 2023. The Stewart Hotel has been used solely as a shelter. Another hotel, the Hotel Chandler, also received a subpoena, though it primarily serves as a homeless shelter rather than a migrant facility.
JUST IN: The DOJ is investigating the New York City hotels which were turned into migrant shelters. Billions of your tax dollars went towards housing criminal illegal aliens in luxury hotels pic.twitter.com/utl8ILdjWb
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 13, 2025
Investigators are looking into possible immigration law violations and are seeking detailed records, including names and birthdates of those who have stayed at the hotels. They are also requesting financial agreements related to the city’s shelter contracts. The subpoenas were issued by the Southern District of New York.
Since 2022, more than 232,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in New York City, placing a massive strain on taxpayer-funded housing programs. The city has spent billions accommodating migrants, with a peak of 69,000 individuals in shelters earlier this year. That number has since declined to around 45,000.
The Roosevelt Hotel deal has drawn significant scrutiny due to its ownership and funding. Reports indicate the city committed up to $220 million to lease the hotel, which is owned by Pakistan’s government. The deal was allegedly tied to an International Monetary Fund bailout package intended to help Pakistan avoid an economic collapse.
Mayor Eric Adams has not publicly commented on the federal investigation but previously announced that the Roosevelt Hotel would shut down in the coming months. His administration has confirmed plans to close 53 shelters by June, redistributing services to other locations.
The investigation follows reports that FEMA allocated $59 million for migrant housing in upscale New York City hotels — contradicting previous White House claims that such funds were not being used for illegal immigrant accommodations.
