President-elect Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation plan took another step forward Thursday as New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a high-profile meeting with Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed “border czar.”
The meeting, which centered on immigration and deportation policies, has drawn sharp criticism from advocates and city officials concerned that Adams may be too willing to cooperate with Trump’s agenda. Critics fear such collaboration could threaten New York’s status as a sanctuary city and undermine protections for undocumented immigrants.
“We’re committed to safeguarding the rights of hardworking immigrants who contribute meaningfully to our city,” Adams stated. “But New York will not be a safe haven for individuals who repeatedly engage in violent crimes against others, whether they are migrants, immigrants, or long-standing residents.”
Adams and Homan spent hours discussing border policies, including the future of the migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field, which sits on federal land. The mayor also sought clarity on whether the federal government plans to establish deportation centers in New York. Homan, tasked with overseeing immigration enforcement and deportations, has signaled that Trump’s administration intends to launch the most extensive deportation program in U.S. history.
Homan’s remarks earlier this week underscored the administration’s hardline stance. Speaking in Chicago, he declared, “We’re going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois. If your mayor doesn’t want to help, he can step aside. But if he impedes us—if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien—I will prosecute him.”
Following their meeting at Gracie Mansion, Adams addressed reporters alone, highlighting the legal and logistical complexities of the discussions. “Our legal team is vetting whether we have the authority to sit down and collaborate with ICE’s legal team to operationalize our shared goals. Once we have clarity, we’ll provide a detailed plan on how this will proceed,” Adams explained.
Adams emphasized that he and Homan agreed on the principle that individuals with criminal records should not remain in New York or the U.S. “I’ve always been transparent about my agenda: keeping New Yorkers safe. This is no exception,” Adams stated.
The mayor has previously expressed interest in improving cooperation with federal agencies to address the city’s ongoing migrant crisis. However, the City Council has resisted such moves, favoring stricter adherence to sanctuary city policies. Adams revealed he is exploring the possibility of issuing an executive order to bypass the council and amend sanctuary city laws, though he acknowledged the potential controversy such a decision could spark.
Under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, the NYPD maintained a limited cooperation agreement with federal officials, facilitating the deportation of undocumented immigrants convicted of specific crimes. Adams indicated he is reviewing ways to expand or revise this agreement to address current challenges.
Despite Adams’ assurances, the meeting with Homan has ignited fierce opposition from advocacy groups and political leaders. Outside City Hall, faith and community organizations rallied to condemn the discussions, arguing that they signal a troubling alignment with Trump’s immigration policies.
“Mayor Adams must decide whether he will stand up for constitutional due process or sell out New Yorkers for political gain,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, a Democrat and mayoral candidate. “This city should be a beacon of protection, not a pawn in Trump’s deportation strategy.”
Jennifer Hernandez, a leader with Make the Road New York, echoed these concerns. “Mayor Adams should protect all New Yorkers, including immigrant communities. This meeting sends the wrong message about our city’s values,” she said.
The criticism also extended to Adams’ handling of his own political and legal challenges. Dr. Steve Auerback of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice suggested Adams may be leveraging the meeting to curry favor with the Trump administration. “Mayor Adams, as we know, has already been indicted. I think he’s playing footsie with Trump to secure a pardon and get himself off the hook,” Auerback remarked.
Adams has repeatedly defended his approach, arguing that federal cooperation is essential to alleviating the strain on city resources. “I’ve made it clear that I’m not here to wage war with the Trump administration; I’m here to work with them for the good of New York,” Adams said in an earlier interview with CBS News New York.
The stakes are high as New York City navigates its role in Trump’s broader immigration crackdown. While Adams insists on finding a balanced approach to safeguard public safety and support immigrant communities, the backlash underscores the deep divisions and challenges ahead. Whether Adams can balance these competing priorities without compromising the city’s core values remains to be seen.
