A high-end hotel in New York City is filling up with illegal immigrants as a shelter.
Hotel Le Jolie, which is nestled next to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway four blocks south of McCarren Park in Williamsburg, was transformed into a shelter last May, and is expected to remain as such until at least the end of the year. It is described as a boutique hotel location by Tripadvisor.
According to the New York Post, Mayor Eric Adams’ administration recently awarded a $12.3 million contract to Brooklyn-based non-profit St. P.A.U.L.S. Inc to operate a “sanctuary city facility for families with children” at 235 Meeker Avenue, Hotel Le Jolie’s address.
A source familiar with the matter said the Department of Homeland Security had been relying on a temporary team of staff members to oversee the operation, and expected St. P.A.U.L.S. Inc to raise the quality of services provided to residents.
Those who try to book a room at the hotel via sites such as Expedia are met with a message informing them that, “This property is closed from May 2 2023 to December 31 2024.” The statement is under the “Renovations and closures” section.
Prior to shutting its doors to tourists, the hotel received generally positive reviews, with only a few unhappy customers.