On December 12th, New York City Mayor Adams finally met with Tom Homan, the “Border Affairs Director” appointed by President-elect Trump, at the mayor’s residence. Following the meeting, the mayor held a press conference. He expressed his frustration at the media’s constant “distortion” of his words, emphasizing that his top priority as mayor is to “protect New Yorkers”, whether citizens or undocumented immigrants. However, he made it clear that “New York will never be a sanctuary for violent criminals,” a sentiment shared by both him and Homan.
Mayor Adams went on to state, “We will protect hardworking immigrants in this city, those who truly contribute to this city, but we will not harbor criminals.”
Despite Homan’s previous statements advocating for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants causing concern, some reporters repeatedly pressed the mayor on whether Homan was calling for the expulsion of all “illegal immigrants,” regardless of their criminal record.
In response, Mayor Adams did not give a direct answer regarding whether Homan was demanding an expansion of deportation efforts in New York City, but rather highlighted that his views align with the incoming head of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“I have heard from the incoming ICE director that our goals are aligned, which is to apprehend those engaging in violent behavior against innocent New Yorkers, including immigrants and asylum seekers,” Adams stated. “I am pleased to hear this news, as we share the same goal.”
Addressing rumors circulating in the media about his administration issuing an executive order to revoke “sanctuary city” status, the mayor clarified that the decision to maintain sanctuary city status lies with the city council. He reiterated that the purpose of his executive order power is to combat violent criminal immigrants.
When asked if he would request the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to cooperate with federal authorities in removing the violent criminals he mentioned, Mayor Adams firmly affirmed this possibility. He pointed out that according to regulations, local law enforcement agencies could communicate and collaborate with ICE on more than 170 criminal cases. He also highlighted the dangers posed by criminal groups such as Venezuelan gangs in the city and Ecuadorian gangs on Long Island.
“We have a responsibility and duty to ensure the safety of city residents,” he emphasized. “All law enforcement agencies should play a role, and we should not hinder them from performing their duties.”
Mayor Adams reiterated his agenda to protect law-abiding citizens and combat criminals. “I have never had any intention of lying or being evasive. I aim to ensure the safety of New Yorkers, regardless of their documentation status … Every individual in this city should be protected and should not fall victim to violent crime,” he said. “This is the conversation I had with the Border Commissioner. We share a common vision, and we will pursue this shared vision. I look forward to this pursuit.”
Regarding the scope of immigration charges, collaboration with ICE, and the specific content of his executive orders, Adams mentioned that the legal department is working on it, and once there are outcomes, they will be shared with the public.
Homan has vowed not to let New York’s sanctuary city status hinder Trump’s promise of large-scale immigration deportations. He emphasized that if sanctuary cities do not cooperate, federal funding to those cities will be halted.