Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Shelter Faced Allegations of Gun Presence and Gang Activity Prior to June Closure

New York City – The Roosevelt Hotel, which served as New York City's primary migrant arrival and humanitarian relief center from May 2023 until its closure in June 2025, reportedly faced allegations of security concerns, including the presence of firearms and gang activity, according to a recent social media post. A tweet from "Viral News NYC" on September 22, 2025, quoted staff at the facility as claiming they "always saw guns at the hotel" and advised the author to "always wear my vest because the gangs knew who I was."

The historic Midtown Manhattan hotel, which had been closed to guests since 2020, was repurposed by city officials to manage the influx of asylum seekers. Over 155,000 migrants passed through its doors during its operation as a shelter, making it a prominent symbol of the city's migrant crisis. Its closure as a shelter in June 2025 marked a significant shift in the city's response, with intake functions now integrated into other areas of the shelter system.

During its tenure as a migrant facility, the Roosevelt Hotel became a focal point in the national immigration debate. Reports from February 2025 indicated that the Trump administration had targeted the hotel, claiming it was a "hotbed for gang activity." This assertion aligns with the recent tweet's content, suggesting that concerns about safety and illicit activities were part of the broader narrative surrounding the shelter.

While the city's official statements focused on the successful processing and assistance provided to migrants, the social media claims highlight a different perspective on the day-to-day environment. The hotel's ownership by Pakistan International Airlines and the city's expenditure on housing migrants also drew criticism from figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, who questioned the use of taxpayer funds. The Roosevelt Hotel is currently vacant following its closure as a migrant shelter.