NEW YORK — On Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City engaged in discussions with Tom Homan, who will be the “border czar” under President-elect Donald Trump. The Democratic mayor demonstrated a willingness to collaborate with the incoming administration to address violent crime in the city, while Trump has suggested plans for mass deportations.
During the brief news conference that followed the meeting, Adams emphasized their shared focus on tackling individuals involved in violent crimes. However, he refrained from providing specifics regarding future strategies or plans. “We will not be a sanctuary for those who continually perpetrate violent acts against innocent migrants, immigrants, and long-established New Yorkers,” he stated. “My conversation with the border czar centered on how we can target those who repeatedly commit crimes in our city.”
Homan, a seasoned law enforcement official, shared that he left the meeting with a changed perspective of Adams, having previously criticized him for prioritizing politics over police work. “I was mistaken,” Homan reflected during an interview, noting that Adams approached the meeting as a committed police officer and mayor who cares about the security of his city.
This meeting represents a significant shift for Adams, marking his most pronounced step toward cooperation with the Trump administration—an unexpected move in a city known for its liberal stance. Following Trump’s election, Adams has contemplated adjustments to the city’s sanctuary policies and expressed intentions to work alongside the new administration regarding immigration. He stirred controversy by suggesting that migrants charged with crimes should not be afforded due process under the Constitution, although he later retracted those comments.
Additionally, Adams raised eyebrows among Democrats last week when he evaded questions about potentially switching his party affiliation to Republican, instead referring to himself as a member of the “American party.” He subsequently confirmed his intention to remain a Democrat. For Adams, a centrist known for clashes with the more progressive wing of the party, recent remarks concerning immigration stem from frustrations with the Biden administration’s policies amid a rising influx of international migrants in the city.
He maintains that his objectives remain consistent, citing the need to protect New Yorkers as central to his law-and-order agenda throughout his political career and his campaign for mayor. During the recent news conference, Adams reiterated his support for New York’s extensive social safety initiatives. “We will encourage those who are law-abiding to access the available city services they deserve, including education for their children, healthcare, and public safety,” he asserted. “However, we cannot be a haven for those engaged in violent actions.”
While the education of all children in the U.S. is ensured by a Supreme Court ruling, New York also provides healthcare and emergency shelter services to lower-income residents, including undocumented individuals. Additionally, numerous city and state grants afford them access to legal counsel—a benefit not guaranteed in immigration courts as it is in criminal cases.
Nonetheless, some critics view Adams’ recent statements as an effort to align himself with Trump, especially considering that Trump could potentially grant him a presidential pardon concerning his ongoing federal corruption charges. Adams has denied allegations of accepting unlawful travel benefits and campaign contributions from foreign nationals seeking to influence his decisions.
Homan, who previously served as the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump, met earlier this week with Illinois Republicans to encourage collaboration with Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on the Trump administration’s deportation plans.
While discussing with Adams, Homan remarked, “We exchanged ideas and strategies. He shared his preferences and concerns about immigration policies. … Although we may differ on certain issues, we agree on what truly matters.”
In a related development, New York City officials revealed ongoing efforts to downsize a large emergency shelter system for migrants, prompted by a notable decline in new arrivals. Among the planned closures is a significant tent facility located at a site that was previously a federal airport in Brooklyn, which some advocates have identified as vulnerable to Trump’s deportation initiatives.
Meanwhile, Republican governors and legislators across various states are introducing proposals aimed at facilitating Trump’s anticipated deportation strategies.
