A federal lawsuit accuses at least five New York National Guardsmen and public contract workers of sexually exploiting asylum seekers.
Seven migrants allege numerous incidents of sexual exploitation at a Quality Inn in Cheektowaga, outside of Buffalo — part of the state’s effort to house a flood of asylum seekers coming into the country as traditional shelters have hit their breaking point.
The suit, filed on Feb. 8 on behalf of three migrants and four government subcontractors, described at least six Guardsmen — alongside DocGo contractors, the New York-based humanitarian contractor hired to handle much of the influx of immigrants — as setting an environment of intimidation and coercion. Migrants, including teens, were sometimes taken away from the hotel and expected to give sexual favors, and in some cases, troops tried to start romantic relationships with them, the lawsuit alleges.
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“The guests were (and remain) particularly vulnerable, given their uncertain immigration status, lack of mobility, need of basic supplies, and other needs,” the suit says. “Even a trip to a Walmart was considered a great gift.”
The suit mostly centers on Sgt. Deven Colon, a religious affairs specialist with 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, the only named Guardsman. It is noted he was the highest-ranking Guardsman on duty at the hotel.
It alleges he had…
