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President-Elect Trump’s incoming border czar has announced his intentions to work with New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) after the mayor signaled a willingness to work with the Trump administration to help remove illegal immigrants with criminal records.
Something you should know before you read: New York City, a self-proclaimed sanctuary city, has provided refuge for illegal migrants by limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities and protecting individuals from deportation. However, Mayor Eric Adams’ stance has shifted as the city faces a surge in migrant arrivals, driven largely by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to bus migrants to sanctuary cities. This influx has placed immense pressure on the city’s resources, with Adams citing $6.4 billion in expenditures for services like shelter, healthcare, and legal aid. Frustrated by the lack of federal assistance, Adams has criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis, calling for reforms to streamline work authorizations for migrants and improve border enforcement.
What’s going on now: During a press conference yesterday, Mayor Adams was asked whether he would work with President-Elect Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, to address issues related to undocumented migrants in New York City. Adams confirmed his openness to cooperating, stressing the need to prioritize public safety and address the impact of criminal migrants on the city. He stated that his focus is on protecting law-abiding residents and ensuring that those charged with serious crimes are held accountable, adding that he would not engage in political warring but instead seek common ground with Trump. This resulted in Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homman, stating on NewsNation, “I plan on calling him either tonight or first thing in the morning. I certainly will meet with him. I’m looking for partnerships. I’m not looking for enemies.”
Some backlash: Mayor Adams’ openness to working with Homan has resulted in backlash from advocacy groups and progressive leaders, who accused the mayor of aligning with hardline immigration policies. Murad Awawdeh, President of the New York Immigration Coalition, criticized Adams for “stoking fear and spreading disinformation,” calling his remarks “a page from Trump’s playbook.” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also condemned the mayor, saying his comments “denigrated immigrants and non-citizens as unworthy of basic rights” and reflected a willingness to mimic Trump rather than oppose him.
This all comes as Homan has vowed that the United States will carry out the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants in US history. Homan has noted that public safety threats, including individuals involved in gang activity and other serious crimes, will be prioritized for removal. He also pledged to crack down on human trafficking networks and ensure the safety of unaccompanied children, many of whom are vulnerable to exploitation by cartels. Homan described the effort as an aggressive but necessary step to protect communities and restore order.
