Housing migrants in Cayuga County will come with fine of $2,000 per person

Cayuga County officials announced strict measures this week to curb the potential intake of asylum seekers from New York City.

County Legislature Chairman David Gould’s emergency order prohibits “foreign municipal programs that burden Cayuga County” and restricts residents and businesses from collaborating with municipalities outside of Cayuga County to aid homeless individuals.

This move follows the state of emergency declared on May 19, a response paralleled by several New York municipalities since New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ October declaration to handle a surge in asylum seekers.

Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck emphasized the challenges their rural community faces in supporting such a crisis.

The new regulation empowers Schenck to issue court appearance tickets for breaches and imposes a $2,000 fine per migrant sheltered by external municipalities.

The order states violators could face a Class B Misdemeanor.

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