New York City will open a new winterized migrant facility to asylum seekers this week on Randall's Island. The 84,400-square-foot facility will include 500 beds, a cafeteria, and a recreation center.

The Mayor's Office Tweets a First Look at the New Migrant Facility.

The Humanitarian Emergency Response Center was originally set to be located in the Bronx's Orchard Beach but the location was changed due to flooding from rainfall.

The facility's construction has faced criticism from some elected officials, immigration advocates, and residents. Many are concerned about the conditions and accessibility of the center, especially during winter.

Randall's Island sits in the East River and is currently used to provide space for homeless shelters, athletic centers, and summer festivals. The island has no subway access but the city has said it will provide a shuttle service to and from the facility.

"There is no perfect place to be doing these kinds of operations," said Zach Iscol, commissioner for emergency management.

The space will be available for single adults and includes Wi-Fi, laundry and international phone lines. Families will be sent to the Row Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, which is close to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

The cafeteria will serve three meals a day and isolation trailers will provide a space for migrants to stay while awaiting disease test results. Ninety percent of the staff reportedly speak Spanish -- a key need since many of the migrants are from Central and South America. A security team will also be in place, collaborating with local law enforcement.

Although the space is not meant for long-term housing, there is no limit to the length of time asylum seekers can stay. City officials' goal is for a four-day stay.

The construction of the shelter comes amid an influx of migrants being sent to northern cities by Republican governors from southern states. The governors have seemingly sought to controversially cast attention to the rising number of migrants entering from the southern border.

Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in early October, aiming to streamline emergency response resources.

"This situation is being caused by political actors and New York City is just having to respond," Manuel Castro, commissioner of immigrant affairs, told the New York Times.

The city has requested additional federal funding to assist with the increased demand as city shelters fill up.

Anne Williams-Isom, deputy mayor for health and human services, told the Times that the city has submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is accepting donations to help provide bus tickets to those staying in the facility.

The cost of the new migrant center has not been confirmed.