New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed his willingness to collaborate with Tom Homan, President-elect Trump's appointed border czar, to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and related crime. During a recent press conference, Mayor Adams affirmed his commitment to finding common ground with the incoming administration, emphasizing his desire to work constructively rather than engage in conflict. He stated his intention to explore shared objectives with Mr. Homan and contribute his own perspectives to the discussion.
Mayor Adams acknowledged the public's concern over the current immigration system, highlighting the need for effective reforms. While reaffirming New York City's welcoming stance towards immigrants and the ongoing efforts to assist migrants with legal processes and essential services, he stressed the importance of addressing the issue of illegal immigration and its impact on public safety. He specifically mentioned a desire to discuss strategies for dealing with individuals who have entered the country illegally and are involved in criminal activities.
Mayor Adams clarified his position by stating that law-abiding individuals who are in the country illegally should not face arbitrary apprehension. However, he distinguished this group from those engaged in criminal behavior, emphasizing his interest in collaborating with Mr. Homan to address this specific challenge. He also pushed back against critics, referencing past statements by prominent figures like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama who have advocated for the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants.
Mayor Adams has been vocal about the financial strain the border crisis has placed on New York City, urging greater federal assistance. He has also called for adjustments to the city's sanctuary city status to allow for the transfer of individuals suspected of serious crimes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mr. Homan has reciprocated the willingness to meet, indicating his readiness to collaborate with anyone to enhance community safety, particularly regarding public safety threats.
