Asylum seeker Moises Coronado has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly fatally stabbing 24-year-old Dafren Canizalez at a migrant shelter on Randall's Island.
The incident occurred at the Randall's Island humanitarian relief center, where both the victim and the suspect resided, as per Daily Mail.
Asylum Seeker Arrested in NYC Migrant Center Stabbing
Witnesses reported that the altercation, fueled by a dispute over a woman, took a deadly turn as Coronado allegedly plunged a blade into Canizalez's upper body around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, as they stood in line for food at the center's dining tent.
The NYPD swiftly responded to the scene, taking Coronado into custody and charging him with murder on Sunday. Despite immediate medical attention, Canizalez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital.
A City Hall spokesperson addressed the tragic incident, emphasizing the ongoing investigation and the commitment to ensuring the safety of migrants at the location. The spokesperson stated, "The overwhelming majority of migrants in our care came to our city in search of a better life and the American Dream. The small number of those disrupting that journey for the rest of the migrants in our care by acting violently will face enforcement to the fullest extent of the law."
The victim's brother, Eduin Daniel Nobrega, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his brother, describing him as a responsible father and a good person who sought a better future for his family. The brothers had recently arrived in Texas together, with Nobrega now residing in Denver.
Roger Castillo, a friend of the victim, revealed that he had a normal conversation with Canizalez just moments before the incident, describing him as "a good person, a good friend," according to PIX11.
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Security Concerns at Randall's Island Migrant Center
The Randall's Island tent shelter, operational since last year, has the capacity to house 2,000 asylum seekers. Despite the tragedy, a spokeswoman for Mayor Adams highlighted the professionalism of security personnel in the difficult situation and assured the redoubling of efforts to maintain a secure environment for everyone at the site.
Concerns over security at the migrant center were voiced by Nabil Jajhlaq, a Moroccan immigrant residing at the center for two days, who complained of minimal security measures. Jajhlaq emphasized the need for heightened security following the tragic incident.
Amidst this unfortunate incident, the Adams administration faces challenges in managing the influx of migrants, with approximately $3.5 billion spent on sheltering and providing services since spring 2022. The arrival of over 70,000 mostly Latin American migrants in city shelters has strained resources, exacerbated by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's controversial practice of bussing over 33,600 asylum seekers to New York City without proper coordination.
Adams has taken legal action against 17 charter bus companies, alleging a debt of at least $708 million owed to the city. An executive order has been issued, requiring bus companies to provide advanced notice and adhere to a strict time window for dropping off migrants. However, some companies have redirected to New Jersey, further complicating the situation.
Gov. Abbott, known for his support of former President Donald Trump, initiated the practice of relocating migrants to liberal cities like New York at the onset of the asylum seeker crisis in 2022. The tragic stabbing incident has reignited concerns over the safety and security of migrants in such shelters, prompting renewed efforts to address these challenges and prevent further violence, New York Daily News reported.
