NYPD Seizes 80 Unlicensed Mopeds from Migrants at Roosevelt and Watson Hotel Shelters

In New York City, a concerning trend has emerged involving unregistered mopeds used by migrants for food delivery jobs. The NYPD recently impounded 80 such mopeds outside the Roosevelt and Watson Hotel shelters, spotlighting a complex issue intertwining illegal migration and underground economic activities. Many migrants, unable to legally work due to the protracted asylum process, are resorting to food delivery as a source of income. However, they face challenges such as renting mopeds and digital identities for app-based delivery platforms, since they lack valid work authorization and social security numbers. This situation has given rise to an underground market in Manhattan, where migrants pay to use others' Uber Eats accounts and scooters. The cost of scooter rentals is high, and many migrants are left with minimal earnings after covering these expenses. This phenomenon raises questions about the legality and safety of these practices, as unregistered mopeds pose risks to both riders and the public.