Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo criticized the handling of the migrant crisis in New York City, labeling it a major oversight by government authorities, including criticisms aimed at current Governor Kathy Hochul and President Joe Biden.
Speaking to the congregation at Grove Missionary Baptist Church in the Bronx, Cuomo highlighted the disproportionate burden placed on New York City to manage the influx of migrants, questioning the fairness of restricting migrant relocation solely to the city.
He noted Albany lawmakers “don’t want the problem in the rest of New York.”
The former governor said, “New York state says the migrants can only go to New York City, not the Hudson Valley, not upstate New York, not Long Island — only New York City.”
Cuomo criticized the federal government for its handling of the migrant crisis.
He said, “Look at New York. Look at the homeless problem. Look at the crime problem. Look at what’s going on in the subways. That’s what he [Mario Cuomo] would say. And then on top of it all, we now have a migrant problem.”
Cuomo added, “Because I’ve been in and out of government all my life. I served in the federal government with Bill Clinton. I’ve worked with David Dinkins attorney general, governor. This is the worst government blunder I have seen in my entire life!”
Former Governor Cuomo pointed out that New York City is currently hosting over 100,000 migrants, shouldering the responsibility for their housing, education, and healthcare needs—a situation he deemed illogical.
He stated, “You know, when you are in the restaurant, and then the check comes, and nobody moves, everybody just looks at it, everybody puts their hands in their pocket. Mayor Adams says, ‘Federal government, you should pick up the tab, you started this,’ the federal government says, ‘I left my wallet at home.’”
The former governor, who stepped down amid allegations of sexual harassment, described the city’s escalating expenses, high taxes, and the newly introduced congestion toll, along with ongoing challenges such as crime and homelessness, as “unsustainable.” Despite the controversy surrounding his resignation, Cuomo continues to deny the sexual misconduct allegations against him, maintaining his innocence and focusing on his advocacy for the migrant community and broader societal issues.
Cuomo’s remarks come as budget discussions intensify in Albany, representing his latest effort to re-engage with the public, particularly through appearances at black churches—a demographic he sees as supportive of a potential comeback in politics.
