SPECTRUM NY1: Bronx mosque confirms it is housing migrants

 
A mosque in the Bronx is housing at least 100 migrants at times, the imam told NY1 in a series of interviews. This marks the first house of worship that has confirmed it has undocumented immigrants staying there during the second Trump term.

During the first term of Donald Trump’s presidency, several churches were outspoken about their decisions to take in migrants who were afraid of deportation.

Over the last few months, NY1 has spoken with many houses of worship and most had been tight-lipped about their plans, as President Trump promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants while undoing a memo that protected religious sanctuaries from some immigration enforcement.

Omar Niass said he is not concerned about his decision to house migrants.

“I hear the president say the mass deportations. But the president is a clear voice. What did he say? Criminal. Thank God my people, the people that I know, are not criminal,” he said.

Niass, who is from Senegal, says the people staying at his mosque are mainly from Africa.

“They don’t have nowhere to go,” he said. “I don’t want to see them homeless.”

NY1 recently observed a couple dozen people inside praying, but Niass said the number has been much higher, reaching up to 120.

In 2023, Niass also spoke with NY1 about his efforts to house migrants and cited similar numbers then.

Earlier in Trump’s second term, there were daily updates about ICE arrest totals. But those have stopped as the president has called for more funding for the agency.

“Honestly, if ICE comes back to knock on my door, for what? They have a warrant?,” he said when asked if he worries about the agency.

Some areas still require a judicial warrant for places considered private — protected by the 4th Amendment of the Constitution, according to legal experts NY1 has spoken with.

https://ny1.com/nyc/bronx/news/2025/03/20/bronx-mosque-confirms-it-is-housing-migrants

HYPER LOCAL ON X.COM: Bronx News Reports For Events Reported In The Week Leading Up To March 16, 2025

8 Recent Bronx, NY News Stories From X (March 16, 2025)

1. Massive Fire Guts Jerome Avenue Businesses
   On March 13, 2025, a five-alarm fire destroyed nearly a dozen storefronts in Morris Heights, leaving shop owners like Jessica Betancourt facing an uncertain future. The blaze at W. Burnside and Jerome Ave. gutted a vital community hub.
   Source:

   @CBSNewYork

   (search “Bronx fire Jerome Avenue March 13, 2025” on X).
2. Repairman Critically Injured by Stray Bullet
   On March 15, 2025, a refrigerator repairman was shot by a stray bullet outside a Bronx fruit store, leaving him in critical condition and reigniting debates over gun violence.
   Link: @Jay_D007 - Posted March 15, 2025 (Confirmed working).
3. Man Shot in Head Fights for Life
   On March 14, 2025, a man was critically wounded after being shot in the head in the Bronx, with NYPD still piecing together the circumstances of this latest shooting.
   Source:

   @NYPDNews

   (search “Bronx shooting March 14, 2025” on X).
4. Bronx Park Robbery Suspects Sought
   On March 14, 2025, four suspects attacked and robbed a man in a Bronx park, prompting a police search and raising safety concerns for local green spaces.
   Source:

   @BronxNews12

   (search “Bronx park robbery March 14, 2025” on X).
5. Man Charged in Horrific Dog Burning Case
   On March 11, 2025, a Bronx man faced animal cruelty charges for allegedly setting a dog on fire, drawing widespread outrage from the community.
   Link: @FOX23News - Posted March 11, 2025 (Confirmed working).
6. Federal Probe Hits Bronx Migrant Shelter
   On March 12, 2025, the Justice Department began investigating the 2,200-bed migrant shelter opened in late February in the South Bronx, amid local unrest over its impact.
   Source:

   @Reuters

   (search “Bronx migrant shelter Justice Department March 12, 2025” on X).
7. Shop Owners Devastated Post-Fire
   After the March 13 fire, Bronx business owners shared their grief and determination to rebuild, with the Morris Heights community offering support to those hit hardest.
   Source:

   @NYDailyNews

   (search “Bronx fire Morris Heights March 15, 2025” on X).
8. FDNY Cites Hydrant Blocker During Blaze
   On March 13, 2025, amid the Jerome Avenue fire response, FDNY issued a summons for a vehicle parked near a hydrant, highlighting logistical challenges in emergencies.
   Source:

   @FDNY

   (search “Bronx fire hydrant summons March 13, 2025” on X).