Eric Adams says neither he nor Homan has any interest in pursuing a vendetta against responsible, diligent immigrants who follow the law.
NEW YORK CITY—New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a meeting with Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s incoming border czar, during which the two officials discussed shared law enforcement priorities for 2025 and strategies for deporting repeat lawbreakers.
The mayor, who in recent months has complained about an “overburdened shelter system” and warned that unchecked immigration would be highly destructive, said at a post-meeting press conference on Dec. 12 that neither he nor Homan has any interest in pursuing a vendetta against responsible, diligent immigrants who follow the law and contribute to the life of the city.
“We’re going to protect the rights of immigrants in the city that are hardworking, giving back to the city in a real way. We’re not going to be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes,” the mayor said.
“That was my conversation with the border czar, to figure out how we go after those individuals who are repeatedly committing crimes in our city.”
Adams said New York City has a tradition of welcoming immigrants who contribute to the economic, social, and cultural life of the city and criticized what he called “terrible mistakes” that have resulted from lax enforcement of the law.
In response to questions from the audience, the mayor described efforts underway on the part of his administration to work with federal authorities.
“Our legal team is vetting, do we have the authorization to sit down and speak with ICE’s legal team to operationalize what both our desires are? Once we get that approval, then we will give you a complete layout of how it’s going to work,” he stated.
“From what I heard from the incoming head of ICE is that we have the same desire, to go after those who are committing repeated violent acts among innocent New Yorkers and among migrants and asylum seekers.”
