By Michael V. Cusenza
The City has launched a task force tasked with getting migrant kids who peddle snacks off of City streets and subways.
“I saw that in Ecuador. I saw that in Mexico. I saw that in Colombia. So sometimes people bring their culture, and how practices are done, into the city, and we want to make sure that people understand that children should be in school,” Mayor Eric Adams said.
The task force consists of staffers from the Administration for Children’s Services, Department of Education, and Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence. It formed two months ago, according to the New York Post, and will now pivot to roadside outreach after the Post last month revealed how young migrant children were routinely seen selling snacks on major thoroughfares in south Queens.
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
The task force consists of staffers from the Administration for Children’s Services, Department of Education, and Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence.
“[The task force’s] work includes making sure school-aged children are enrolled in schools, parents know about safe after-school programs available to kids, and childcare referrals — to community-based organizations that we partner with — are made whenever possible,” City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak told the Post.
Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) has been working on getting the children out of harm’s way since they began popping up and peddling snacks at intersections in her 32nd District nearly two years ago.
“I’m glad to see that the City is finally addressing this issue after nearly two years of us talking about it,” Ariola told the Post. “I just hope that they don’t waste any additional time conducting unnecessary studies and focus groups before the task force actually hits the streets and starts making a difference.”
