National Guard soldiers sued for sexually abusing asylum seekers

Buffalo, New York.- US National Guard soldiers are assigned to hotels in the Buffalo metropolitan area accused in lawsuits of sexually abusing migrants awaiting asylum hearings, who described feeling particularly vulnerable in dirty rooms, away from their families, and with little access outside.

The lawsuit, filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan, names as defendants the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs and at least six members of the New York National Guard, as well as several employees of the company Docgo, which was hired by the city. New York to oversee the needs of migrants.

The lawsuit was brought by six female and one male asylum seekers and a dozen current and former employees of subcontractor Platinum Community Care, who reported the alleged behavior.

“Jane Doe, who traveled through jungles with her children, eluded sex traffickers in Mexico and crossed rivers, suddenly found herself on a snow-covered rural property in the United States (where she was completely isolated) with her children, facing pressure. New York National guard soldier who demanded that she have sexual relations,” according to the lawsuit, which describes the Venezuelan woman’s experience.

National Guard soldiers and Dokgo staff were seen “dancing intimately and romantically kissing guests,” and at times guards escorted migrants to a nearby hotel where they were staying, according to the lawsuit.

“Hosts were (and continue to be) particularly vulnerable, given their precarious immigration status, lack of mobility, need for basic supplies, and other needs. A trip to Walmart was also considered a great gift,” the lawsuit says.

The asylum seekers were part of a group of migrants who were relocated from New York City after arriving there in 2023. They described how they were tricked into traveling by bus to Buffalo, about eight hours away, which was said to be more expensive. Nearby, only hotels in poor condition will be housed, with foul odors, exposed electrical outlets, and damaged drywall.

According to the lawsuit, which seeks at least $9 million in damages for assault, unlawful detention, emotional distress and damages, “the mattresses were deeply stained and infested with insects, causing the children living there to suffer repeated bites all over their bodies.” Damage and other reasons.

New York Gov. Cathy Hochul sent National Guard troops to the site “to act as a stabilizing presence” following reports of violence and public criticism that erupted upon the arrival of the migrants, the lawsuit suggests.

A National Guard spokesman did not respond to an emailed request for comment Friday. In a statement to the New York Times, spokesman Eric Durr said anyone caught violating the rules would face consequences.

“If the allegations are proven after investigation, they may result in adverse administrative and/or disciplinary action in accordance with New York State military laws and regulations,” the statement said. “Criminal activities are referred to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.”

A spokesperson for DocGo said the company provided the requested information to the state attorney general’s office “for review.” The prosecutor’s office, led by Attorney General Letitia James, has not yet responded to a request for comment on whether the investigation is ongoing.

“We are committed to ensuring the continued safety and well-being of everyone in our care,” Dokgo said in a statement. “While we cannot disclose specific details, we conduct rigorous, evidence-based internal investigations into allegations involving DocGo staff and have strict policies in place to address cases of misconduct.”