Mayor Eric Adams Open to Solutions in Immigration Crisis

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his willingness to meet with Tom Homan, the incoming Trump border czar, to formulate strategies addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigrants with criminal records. During a press conference on Tuesday, Adams faced criticism from the left but remained firm, asserting that he is committed to protecting unyielding New Yorkers and even invited detractors to “cancel me.”

Willingness to Collaborate

In the press conference, Adams was asked about the potential meeting with Homan, who has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to lead a mass deportation initiative. The Mayor emphasized the city’s commitment to aiding migrants, particularly in facilitating applications for Temporary Protected Status and work authorization. He also noted that New York City has recently observed a 21-week decrease in migrant arrivals.

“We cannot ignore the fact that the American people have communicated to us clearly. We have a broken system that needs fixing,” Adams stated, highlighting the urgency of reforming the immigration system. He indicated his intention not to be adversarial but rather collaborative, saying, “I’m not going to be warring with this administration. I’m looking forward to sitting down and seeing how we can better New York.”

Focus on Community Safety

Adams articulated a dual approach regarding immigrants: he believes that those who are in the country illegally but are law-abiding individuals should not be subjected to sudden arrests, while swiftly addressing issues concerning criminal illegal immigrants. “Those are the people I am talking about. I would love to sit down with the border czar and hear his thoughts on how we are going to address those who are harming our citizens,” he stated.

Highlighting significant concern for the community’s safety, the Mayor pointed to the stark difference in treatment between law-abiding migrants and those who pose a threat to public safety.

Respecting Past Leadership

In response to criticism from leftist commentators, Adams referenced remarks from former administration leaders, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, asserting their calls for the deportation of violent criminals. He ridiculed the notion of “cancel culture,” firmly stating: “Well, cancel me, because I’m going to protect the people of this city.” He emphasized that anyone who threatens the well-being of innocent New Yorkers will face serious repercussions under his leadership.

The Financial Toll of the Crisis

The Mayor has been vocal about the burden the ongoing border crisis has placed on New York City, citing that the city has incurred costs totaling approximately .4 billion related to migrant support. He persistently advocates for increased federal assistance in managing the overflow of migrants impacting city resources. As a sanctuary city, New York traditionally refrains from collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in detaining and deporting illegal immigrants; however, Adams is shifting this stance.

Adams has called for changes allowing the transfer of individuals involved in serious crimes to ICE, proposing an amendment to sanctuary policies that would enable law enforcement to act decisively against violent offenders.

Border Czar Tom Homan’s Response

Tom Homan has expressed an eagerness to engage with Adams, declaring, “I’m willing to meet with him, and I’m willing to meet with anybody to help make their communities safer.” In an interview, he communicated that public safety should be the top priority, urging collaborative efforts to ensure the safety of communities and law enforcement personnel alike. Homan stated, “Let’s work together and get this done.”

Conclusion: Forward Together

As New York City grapples with the ramifications of the ongoing immigration crisis, Mayor Adams’ proactive approach in seeking collaboration with federal authorities signals a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding immigration reform and public safety. By focusing on strategies to address violent criminal behavior among immigrants, while also advocating for the rights of law-abiding migrants, Adams is navigating the complex landscape of immigration in a way that seeks to cater to the diverse fabric of New York City’s populace.

— Reporting by Fox News’ Taylor Penley contributed to this report.