Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement in support of Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin’s State of Emergency declaration following new information that migrants will be relocated and distributed across counties in New York:

“I fully support Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin’s decision to issue a State of Emergency in Rensselaer County, preventing forced relocation of illegal immigrants from New York City to the county. Upstate New York should not be forced to bear the burden of Far Left open border policies and the gross incompetency of Joe Biden and Kathy Hochul.

“Upstate New York counties, such as Rensselaer County, are not equipped to carry the tremendous financial burden of an influx of illegal migrants from New York City. We are not a Far Left ‘sanctuary county’ and we support the rule of law in Upstate New York. Not only would forcibly relocating these illegal immigrants violate certain local laws, but it would also take away resources from already-struggling citizens of these counties, resulting in further devastation across New York State.

“I cannot reiterate it enough - Biden must be held accountable for creating this border crisis and shifting the burden of illegal migrants flowing into our country onto vulnerable communities all across the state. I stand with County Executive Steve McLaughlin and pledge my full support in doing what is necessary to protect hardworking families in Upstate New York.”

Statement from Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin:

"I want to thank Chairwoman Elise Stefanik for all her work to hold Joe Biden, Kathy Hochul, and Eric Adams responsible for their disastrous illegal immigration crisis due to their failed policies. Rensselaer County is incredibly lucky to have Elise in DC fighting to keep us safe and to secure our border and stop the madness."

The Rensselaer County State of Emergency “prohibits any municipality, hotel, and motel from entering into a contract to house migrants.” Rensselaer County is the latest county in New York State to issue a State of Emergency over the relocation of Illegal immigrants from New York City, following Rockland County and Orange County State of Emergency announcements this week.