Chaos Erupts at New York Migrant Shelter as Police Struggle to Make Arrests
Posted April 12, 2024 by: Admin
In a chaotic scene that unfolded at the Ramada Inn migrant shelter in Yonkers, New York, police officers struggled to make arrests as they were met with resistance from both the individuals involved and bystanders. The incident, captured on police bodycam footage, highlights the growing tensions and challenges faced by migrant shelters in the area.
The situation began with an urgent call to the police, reporting an unruly and violent individual at the shelter. The caller, clearly distressed, demanded immediate assistance, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “He’s throwing stuff at everybody, please send somebody here right away,” the caller pleaded, underscoring the need for swift action.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers attempted to take Arnal Kent, a 35-year-old man, into custody. However, their efforts were met with significant resistance, leading to a physical struggle between Kent and the police. The bodycam footage reveals the intensity of the altercation as officers grappled with the suspect, trying to bring him under control.
As the arrest unfolded, a woman identified as Yainilet Hernandez entered the fray, attempting to obstruct the officers’ actions. Hernandez repeatedly tried to prevent an officer from opening the door of the police cruiser where Kent was being detained. Despite the officers’ clear and repeated demands for her to move out of the way, Hernandez persisted in her interference.
The situation escalated further when Hernandez physically resisted the officers’ attempts to remove her from the scene. According to the Yonkers Police Department, “Hernandez also attempted to pull Officers away from Kent in the process.” As a result of the struggle, one officer sustained injuries to his right knee and wrist, forcing him to be placed off-duty. The bodycam footage captures the moment Hernandez is taken to the ground by police and placed under arrest.
In the aftermath of the incident, Arnal Kent, who was released with an appearance ticket, shared his perspective on the events leading up to his arrest. Kent, who arrived in the United States from Venezuela in the fall, alleged that he and other migrants at the Ramada Inn had been subjected to mistreatment by hotel staff. His claims shed light on the potential underlying tensions that may have contributed to the chaotic scene.
Other migrants staying at the shelter corroborated Kent’s allegations, providing accounts of staff entering their rooms without warning and removing personal items. One migrant told ABC7, “My iron, my hair dryer, things for work have disappeared,” while others claimed that money and jewelry had been stolen. These reports suggest a broader pattern of concerns regarding the treatment of migrants at the shelter.
The Ramada Inn in Yonkers has been serving as a migrant shelter since May 2023, with the NYC Department of Homeless Services relocating approximately 250 migrants and children to the location. The incident has brought attention to the challenges faced by migrant shelters and the need for adequate support and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of those housed within them.
According to the Yonkers Police Department, Westhab, an organization tasked with providing full-time coverage at the shelter, is responsible for contracted security and determining the terms of housing for the migrants. However, both Ramada Inn and Westhab have yet to provide an immediate comment on the incident, leaving questions unanswered about their roles and responsibilities in ensuring a safe environment for the migrants.
The incident at the Ramada Inn has sparked discussions among local officials, community members, and advocacy groups about the broader issues surrounding migrant housing and support. Many have expressed concerns about the conditions within migrant shelters and the need for improved resources and oversight to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As the community grapples with the fallout from this chaotic event, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges that must be addressed to ensure the safety and dignity of migrants seeking shelter and support in New York and beyond.
