In a decisive response to a recent arrival of migrants in Edison, New Jersey, Mayor Sam Joshi has taken a firm stance on municipal security and public health. In an interview with WABC, a local New York ABC affiliate, on Monday, Joshi articulated his decision to redirect a bus carrying migrants out of the city, citing the inability to confirm whether the 40 individuals on board posed a security or health risk due to lack of proper identification.
Toni Yates, a reporter for WABC in New Jersey, highlighted Edison’s proactive approach, noting the town’s initiative to charter a bus to return the migrants to the southern border. This action was taken immediately as the bus that arrived was directed to depart from the town without delay.
In the interview, Joshi emphasized the critical importance of maintaining safety and health standards, pointing out the inherent risks involved with unidentified individuals. He expressed that while the city is navigating these complex issues, his priority is not to shift the responsibility onto other local administrations.
Earlier migrant arrivals in Edison during the summer prompted discussions among mayors about the necessity of “help and order” in handling such situations. Mayor Joshi, however, insists that the solution lies not in transferring the challenge to his counterparts in other cities but in managing it directly and responsibly within his jurisdiction. This stance reflects a broader conversation on inter-municipal cooperation and the shared responsibility for migrant welfare and public safety.