An asylum-seeker died by suicide in a New York City shelter Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams said Monday.
“The thousands of asylum seekers we have seen arrive in our city came to this country seeking a better life. Sadly though, yesterday, an asylum seeker in one of our facilities took her own life,” Adams said in a statement. “Our hearts break for this young woman and any loved ones she may have, and we, as a city mourn her. This tragedy is a reminder that we have an obligation to do everything in our power to help those in need.”
Adams said the city provides asylum-seekers with resources that include mental health care.
“I encourage all asylum seekers who need mental health support to utilize these services, and anyone in our city struggling with anxiety, depression, or mental health challenges of any kind to call 888-NYC-WELL. We are here for you," he said.
By law, the city is prohibited from sharing further information, Adams said.
A new surge of migrants, primarily from Venezuela, has overwhelmed the Border Patrol and shelters in El Paso, Texas.
On average as of last week, the El Paso Sector of the U.S. border has had about 1,300 migrants cross per day, up from May’s high of 1,000 a day, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.
The shuffling of asylum-seekers from the border to Democratic jurisdictions by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, has intensified debate about border security and how migrants are treated.
Last week, DeSantis sent two planes of mostly Venezuelan asylum-seekers to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, prompting more debate about the subject.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.