Dozens of migrant families arrived at Floyd Bennett Field's makeshift tent city in Brooklyn on Sunday, only to promptly board buses and attempt to return to their previous shelters. The lack of information provided to the migrants about their destination sparked frustration and disappointment among them.

One bused migrant father shared his dissatisfaction, stating, "We weren't told where we were going. I work in The Bronx, and my kids go to school there. For us to live out here is ridiculous. We're going back." Another father who had been staying at the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan echoed similar sentiments, declaring, "I cannot stay here. This is crazy."

The controversial site is expected to house approximately 2,000 asylum seekers from the US-Mexico border. However, it has faced widespread criticism due to its remote location and concerns surrounding fire safety.

State Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, who visited the field, expressed her concerns about the situation, stating, "When I asked why the migrants left immediately like that, he said the people were scared. They did not want to be isolated, and they were worried about commuting to work and getting their children to school."

Williams further emphasized the unsuitability of the remote location, adding, "It's one of the coldest days so far. There's going to be a frost tonight. It's not the ideal location for anyone to live. There's no supermarket, no infrastructure."

The Assemblywoman plans to request the revocation of the site's lease, reaching out to the Legal Aid Society, the mayor, and the governor for support.

A spokesman for the Adams administration acknowledged that some migrants rejected the site and signed release forms, while others chose to remain. He highlighted the overwhelming number of migrants in need of shelter and the lack of alternative options.

Fire officials raised concerns about Floyd Bennett Field's remote location and its half-mile distance from reliable fire hydrants. The presence of e-bikes, powered by lithium batteries, also sparked worries due to previous incidents of fires caused by such batteries.

Despite the migrants' rejection of the site, Adams assured that safety precautions were in place, including designated areas for e-bike storage and shuttle services to the five boroughs. City officials are also working on logistics to provide transportation for migrant children to attend public schools.

With approximately 65,600 migrants still in city care out of the estimated 140,000 who have arrived since spring 2022, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul have faced challenges finding suitable accommodations. The use of shuttered schools and hotels as emergency shelters has drawn criticism, with both officials urging the federal government for additional support.

On Sunday, as the tents were prepared for the migrants' arrival, many expressed concerns and disappointment over the controversial site, while others remained stranded, unsure of their future in the makeshift tent city at Floyd Bennett Field.