Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today issued the following statement pursuant to Erie County District Attorney John Flynn’s announcement of criminal charges being brought against an asylum seeker in Erie County:

"For generations, America has welcomed migrants seeking safety and a better life to our shores. Any asylum seeker who shatters the sacred trust placed in them by violating the law, including against a fellow asylum seeker as in this matter, should be swiftly prosecuted and deported after they are punished for their crimes,” Poloncarz said. “I thank Cheektowaga Police and the District Attorney’s Office for taking swift action against the perpetrator, and I am thankful no county residents were involved in this incident."

# # #