Mayor Adams On Trump Border Czar: ‘We Have The Same Desire'

By Yoav Gonen, The City

December 13, 2024

Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday said he and incoming border czar Tom Homan “have the same desire” when it comes to dealing with migrants, immigrants and the undocumented: “To go after those who are committing repeated violent acts.”

The mayor’s comments came roughly an hour after he met at Gracie Mansion with Homan, whom president-elect Donald Trump has tapped to serve in his incoming administration.

Following the meeting, Adams took questions from the press for about 10 minutes, saying he was keeping it short because reporters have been distorting his views on the topic. Advocates and political rivals have recently accused Adams of hardening his rhetoric on migrants since Trump won the presidency last month.

“We’re going to protect the rights of immigrants in this city that are hard-working, giving back to the city in a real way,” said Adams. “We’re not going to be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes against innocent migrants, immigrants and long-standing New Yorkers.”

Immigrant-rights advocates protest outside City Hall against Mayor Eric Adams meeting with incoming border czar Tom Homan, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

The city’s ability to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was curtailed under Mayor Bill de Blasio, Adams’ predecessor. However, both their administrations have allowed local government agencies to cooperate with ICE in cases where undocumented immigrants are convicted of any of about 170 serious and violent crimes.

Adams has not specified what power he would like beyond that existing policy. Adams, who’s been critical of the administration of President Joe Biden for not providing more financial and other assistance for dealing with an influx of migrants, also said his position on immigration enforcement hasn’t changed, despite the growing criticism.

Then-ICE director Tom Homan speaks about end-of-year immigration enforcement numbers, Dec. 5, 2017. Credit: Donna Burton/U.S. Customs and Border Protection/THE CITY

Reporters asked Adams Tuesday whether he wants city agencies to cooperate with ICE without having to wait for a conviction of a crime, but he didn’t reply. An administration press release later in the day specifically mentioned convictions, saying the mayor is “exploring lawful processes to remove from New York City individuals who have been convicted of a major felony and lack legal status to remain in the United States.”

Adams said he’s also asked the City Hall legal team to see whether they’re allowed to speak with ICE attorneys about how to operationalize his and Homan’s desire to go after violent offenders. He has previously asked his attorneys whether he can address the issue unilaterally through executive orders. Any changes to city law would need the approval of the City Council, whose leaders have not indicated a desire to do so.

Homan didn’t immediately comment publicly on the meeting. But he said earlier this week in Chicago that he’s been asked to run the biggest deportation effort in the country’s history and that he plans to start in the Midwest city.

“If your Chicago mayor doesn’t want to help, he can step aside,” Homan reportedly said at a holiday gathering of a Republican group. “But if he impedes us — if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien — I will prosecute him.”

This press release was produced by The City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.