NJ considering utilizing former Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Hunterdon County as potential processing facility for undocumented migrants, Commissioners Director Kuhl says
GLEN GARDNER, NJ (Hunterdon County) – The state’s possible plan to locate undocumented migrants at the former Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in rural Hunterdon County is not the right solution for the state, Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners Director Jeff Kuhl announced at the board’s Jan. 16 meeting.
In opposing the proposal, Kuhl said, “This action has the potential to overwhelm public health and human service capabilities administered by Hunterdon County.”
“Despite assurances to the contrary, such a move will likely overwhelm local resources in the area, including volunteer fire and EMS agencies. In addition, there are no mass transit facilities located nearby the former Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital, which is located a top of a mountain, surrounded by forest,” Kuhl said.
New York City announced on Dec. 27, 2023 that chartered buses bringing migrants into the city will be required to provide 32 hours’ notice before arriving in New York City with information on the population the buses are transporting. The City is also requiring that undocumented migrants be dropped off at designated locations in Manhattan only during specified hours.
New York City’s requirements has resulted in hundreds of migrants being dropped off at various New Jersey Transit points to bypass the New York City restrictions and New Jersey is determining how to manage those undocumented groups.
Kuhl reported that county officials have become aware that the state is considering utilizing the former Hagedorn State Psychiatric Hospital as a potential processing facility for undocumented migrants.
“The Board of Commissioners is going to continue to monitor this situation and if needed, consider additional actions to oppose this not well thought out proposed idea by the State,” Kuhl said.
“New Jersey communities are already stretched too thin as it is and now risk being overwhelmed because of President Biden’s blatant disregard for the immigration crisis and Governor Murphy’s sanctuary state policies,” said Senator Doug Steinhardt. “We’ve seen the immense burden this issue has caused in New York because of their inaction, and it is only a matter of time until that burden is placed on our municipalities as made clear by the state’s attempt to place undocumented migrants in Hunterdon County. The impractical and illegal placement of undocumented migrants, especially in areas that lack the infrastructure, restricts services that our constituents rely on and I will continue to advocate against that approach. It’s time the president and governor do their jobs and address this emergency before it’s too late.”
