New York City Mayor Eric Adams threw down the gauntlet to his left-wing critics on Tuesday, declaring "cancel me" as he confirmed his willingness to meet with President-elect Trump's incoming border enforcement chief to address criminal immigrants in the city, according to Fox News.
Speaking at a press conference, Adams revealed his openness to discussions with Tom Homan, Trump's pick to lead planned deportation operations after taking office.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams dares the left to "cancel" him over working with Border Czar Tom Homan and Trump on deportations of illegal migrants.
He says illegals are "committing crimes, robberies, sh*oting at police, r*ping innocent people." pic.twitter.com/agUdMkvYQ0
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 4, 2024
"Well, cancel me, because I'm going to protect the people of this city," Adams declared forcefully. "If you come into this country, in this city, and think you're going to harm innocent New Yorkers and innocent migrants and asylum seekers, this is not the mayor you want to be in a city under."
While emphasizing the city's continued support for immigrants, including assistance with Temporary Protected Status applications and case management services, Adams acknowledged growing public concern over immigration issues. "The American people have communicated to us loudly and clearly: We have a broken system," he said, noting a 21-week decrease in migrant arrivals.
The mayor expressed his intention to work collaboratively with the incoming administration rather than oppose it. "I'm not going to be warring with this administration, I'm going to be working with this administration," Adams stated, according to Fox News. "President Trump is the president-elect. And whomever he chooses to run his agencies, I'm looking forward to sitting down and see how do we better New York."
Adams drew parallels to past Democratic leaders, citing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Obama's support for deporting criminal immigrants. He maintained that law-abiding undocumented immigrants "should not be rounded up in the middle of the night" but distinguished them from those committing crimes.
The stance represents a potential shift in New York's sanctuary city status, which currently prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests to transfer immigrants from custody. Adams has advocated for policy changes allowing ICE access to those suspected of major crimes.
Homan, speaking Monday on Fox News' "America's Newsroom," expressed willingness to meet with Adams. "I'm willing to meet with him, and I'm willing to meet with anybody to help make their communities safer," Homan said after being contacted by the Adams administration.
The migrant crisis has significantly impacted New York City's resources, with Adams revealing the city has spent $6.4 billion on related services. "Prioritization out of the gate is public safety threats," Homan told Fox News. "Work with us on that. It makes your community safer. It keeps my officers safe. It keeps the community safe. Let's work together and get this done."
The mayor's stance marks a significant departure from traditional sanctuary city policies, as New York grapples with both humanitarian obligations and public safety concerns amid ongoing immigration challenges.
