NEW YORK — The reinstatement of an immigration office at New York’s Rikers Island jail marks the beginning of a more intricate agreement between President Trump’s administration and Mayor Eric Adams, said the newly appointed U.S. border czar during their first public engagement together.

Tom Homan and Adams shared their plans on “Fox & Friends,” following the announcement that Adams would sign an executive order to reopen the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office at the facility. One of the goals of this office will be to facilitate information sharing on criminal gangs.

The collaboration has drawn significant backlash from leaders within the New York City Council, especially after some prosecutors resigned in protest against a directive from the Trump administration that pushed for the dismissal of corruption charges against Adams. This has raised concerns that the mayor is compromising his integrity to forward the Republicans’ immigration policies.

Critics have intensified calls for Adams to resign, suggesting that his association with Trump’s agenda has undermined his capability to govern effectively. In response to the escalating criticism, Adams issued a statement asserting his accountability to the residents of New York City.

“I want to be crystal clear with New Yorkers: I never offered — nor did anyone offer on my behalf — any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case. Never,” Adams clarified. “I am solely beholden to the 8.3 million New Yorkers that I represent and I will always put this city first.”

Homan emphasized that the new arrangement concerning Rikers is just a fragment of a broader partnership. He expressed that there are additional plans in motion that are best left undisclosed for now due to potential opposition from city council members.

“We’re working on some other things that we don’t really want to talk about in open areas because the city council will be putting roadblocks upon us,” Homan explained. “But the mayor and me have committed to several other things that will make the city safer.”

Homan also issued a stark warning to Adams regarding future compliance with the president’s agenda.

“If he doesn’t come through, I’ll be back in New York City, and we won’t be sitting on the couch. I’ll be in his office, up his butt, saying, ‘Where the hell is the agreement we came to?’ ” Homan warned.

Leaders of the New York City Council responded, stating that city law prohibits the establishment of an ICE office at Rikers. They indicated their readiness to closely examine Adams’ forthcoming executive order, asserting that it only exacerbates concerns that the mayor is favoring the interests of the Trump Administration over those of the city’s residents.

According to a 2023 report from the city comptroller, most of the 6,000 individuals at Rikers are awaiting trial. Questions remain about how Adams’ executive order could potentially facilitate ICE operations targeting immigrants without compromising individuals who may not have any criminal records, including those released on bail or whose charges have been dismissed.

While Adams and Homan expressed agreement on flagging criminals for deportation, Adams sidestepped inquiries about the federal prosecutors who resigned in discontent. One prosecutor had alleged that the Justice Department’s actions represented a “quid pro quo,” allowing for the dismissal of charges against Adams as a means to ensure his cooperation with Trump’s immigration policies.

“If you don’t help them, they could refile the charges,” host Steve Doocy suggested during the discussion.

“No,” Adams firmly replied. “I don’t get into the legalese. I have an attorney to do that, and I pay a lot for that.”