The recent crackdown by the NYPD on unlicensed mopeds being driven by illegal migrants in New York City has garnered attention. Following complaints from New Yorkers, the police department confiscated 80 such vehicles parked outside the Roosevelt and Watson Hotels in Manhattan, which have been converted into migrant shelters. Many migrants use these mopeds for food delivery work, as they face limited job opportunities without work permits. However, the majority of the mopeds seen outside the hotel shelters are unregistered and without license plates, violating New York law.
Additionally, many riders fail to adhere to road rules, driving recklessly on sidewalks and bicycle lanes. The NYPD collaborated with other entities, including the New York City Department of Sanitation, to address the issue. While some argue that food delivery work does not require a license, the excessive presence of mopeds in neighborhoods has also sparked complaints. The ongoing influx of migrants, with over 160,000 arriving in the city since mid-2022, has put a strain on resources.