New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that he is now open to deporting migrants accused of crimes, marking a significant shift in his previous stance. In the past, Adams had maintained that only individuals convicted of crimes should be subject to deportation. However, he stated that he is reconsidering this approach, especially in light of increasing concerns over crime in the city. The mayor revealed that he is planning to meet with elect President Donald Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” Tom Homan, to discuss the potential for deporting migrant criminals even before their convictions.
Adams emphasized that individuals who commit violent crimes in the city, including shootings and assaults, should not remain in New York. He cited the case of Bernardo Castro Mata, a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant who allegedly shot at two NYPD officers after illegally crossing into the U.S. “I don’t want that guy in my city, plain and simple,” He added
“Those who are here committing crimes, robberies shooting at police officers, raping innocent people, have been a harm to our country.” Further he said “Cancel me, because I’m going to protect the people of this city,”
This new stance comes at a time when New York City is grappling with a rising migrant population, with over 200,000 individuals arriving in recent years, many seeking asylum. The city, a traditional sanctuary for immigrants, has faced increasing pressure to address crime among migrant communities. Adams’ comments are especially significant given the current political climate, with former President Donald Trump’s administration promising aggressive immigration policies, including mass deportations.
Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed border czar, has expressed his desire to withhold federal funds from so called sanctuary cities like New York, where local authorities limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Homan has warned that if New York City does not assist in deporting migrant criminals, the federal government may escalate its efforts, even sending more agents to the city. “If we can’t get assistance from New York City, we may have to double the number of agents we send to New York City,” Homan said during an appearance on Fox & Friends. “Because we’re going to do the job with you or without you.”
Rather than confront the incoming Trump administration, Adams has opted to work collaboratively. He acknowledged that the 2024 presidential election showed a clear desire among Americans for stricter immigration policies, particularly regarding border security. “The American people heard it and voted for it,” Adams stated, referencing Trump’s campaign promises to secure the U.S. border. In his meeting with Homan, Adams indicated that he would focus on finding common ground and exploring areas where the city and the federal government can work together.
Adams, who has a background in law enforcement as a former NYPD captain, has long navigated the complexities of immigration policy. While he has supported policies offering compassion for law-abiding immigrants, he has also been firm in his stance that migrants who break the law should be held accountable. He has repeatedly advocated for the city’s sanctuary laws to be loosened, particularly when dealing with migrants accused of serious crimes. Adams has, however, drawn a line at deporting law-abiding undocumented immigrants and those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, such as his commissioner of immigrant affairs, Manuel Castro, who was brought to the U.S. as a child.
During a press conference, Adams was asked about his own criminal charges and how they might relate to his stance on migrant deportations. He responded by emphasizing that there is a clear distinction between his case and the situation of migrants. “First of all, I’m an American,” Adams said. “Americans have certain rights. The Constitution is for Americans, and I’m not a person who snuck into this country. My ancestors have been here for a long time.”
The mayor’s shift in policy and rhetoric signals a willingness to take a tougher approach to immigration, particularly regarding migrants involved in serious crimes. This move also underscores the political tensions surrounding immigration in the U.S., with the divide between sanctuary cities like New York and the federal government’s more hardline stance growing more pronounced. Adams will likely face significant challenges as he navigates the delicate balance between protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring public safety in a city that continues to experience high levels of migration and rising crime rates.
