Mayor Eric Adams Meets with Trump’s Border Chief Amid Growing Immigration Crisis
New York City Mayor Eric Adams met Thursday with Thomas D. Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming immigration official, marking his first sit-down with a senior Trump administration appointee. The meeting comes as the city braces for tougher immigration policies under the incoming administration.
Adams, a Democrat, requested the meeting to discuss ways to address undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes in the city. Afterward, he expressed common ground with Homan, noting that both men share a desire to target criminals for deportation. Adams reiterated his commitment to protecting the rights of law-abiding immigrants while taking action against those who have committed violent crimes.
“We will protect the rights of immigrants who contribute to this city,” Adams said during a City Hall press conference. “But we will not be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes against our residents.”
Despite the meeting’s significance, Adams provided few details about how he might collaborate more closely with federal immigration authorities. He did not answer many questions, instead criticizing the media for misrepresenting his stance on immigration.
In an interview after the meeting, Homan, who was in charge of deportations under President Barack Obama, called the conversation productive, describing it as “a discussion between a cop and a cop.” Homan confirmed that both men agreed on prioritizing the deportation of criminal migrants. He also noted that other Democratic leaders from sanctuary cities had reached out for similar meetings.
The meeting, held at an undisclosed location, was part of Adams’s ongoing outreach to Trump, who was a frequent critic of New York City under former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s progressive leadership. Adams, who once opposed Trump, has shifted his tone, seeking areas of collaboration, particularly on immigration, to address the ongoing migrant crisis in the city.
Adams’s effort to work with the incoming Trump administration comes as the city grapples with a migrant crisis that has seen more than 225,000 newcomers since 2022. The city has spent over $6 billion on housing, feeding, and providing services to migrants.
Homan, a former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been outspoken in his criticism of sanctuary cities, where local laws limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In his speech to Republican supporters in Chicago, Homan urged Democrats to “come to the table” on immigration or “get the hell out of the way.”
While some Democratic mayors, like those in Boston and Los Angeles, have strongly opposed Trump’s deportation policies, others, including several Democratic governors, have shown a willingness to cooperate on removing dangerous criminals.
Adams’s stance on deportation is nuanced. Although he opposes mass deportations, he has signaled openness to working with federal authorities to detain immigrants who have been accused of crimes, even if they haven’t been convicted. He also raised the possibility of adjusting the city’s sanctuary laws to facilitate the deportation of repeat offenders or those who have been charged with serious crimes.
Adams’s legal team is still reviewing the city’s sanctuary provisions to determine whether changes can be made. He revealed that his lawyers are exploring whether the city can work directly with ICE’s legal team to align their efforts.
Kenneth Genalo, the ICE field office director for New York City, attended the meeting as well. Genalo has repeatedly argued that sanctuary laws make it harder for his officers to detain dangerous criminals.
Despite the discussions, the meeting sparked protests outside City Hall. Immigration activists criticized Homan’s role in the Trump administration’s controversial family separation policy. Some political rivals also questioned Adams’s motivations, with some suggesting his outreach to Trump could harm the city.
Brad Lander, New York City’s comptroller, who is challenging Adams in the Democratic primary, said he would not have met with Homan. Other mayoral candidates, including State Senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, voiced similar concerns about Adams’s approach.
“Since Eric Adams is seeking a federal pardon and Donald Trump’s favor, this meeting could be dangerous for New York City,” said Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller. Adams, who has denied any personal motivation, is facing federal corruption charges, which could complicate his relationship with the incoming administration.
Adams’s focus on deporting criminal migrants, even as he opposes mass deportations, aligns with the growing public sentiment for stricter immigration policies. While Trump made gains with New York City voters in recent years, Adams continues to navigate a delicate political landscape.
The city’s sanctuary laws, signed by de Blasio, restrict police and jails from turning over most detained immigrants to ICE. Only those convicted of serious crimes like homicide or rape can be transferred, and even then, ICE must obtain a judicial warrant. Adams has suggested that he wants to expand cooperation with federal immigration authorities, particularly in cases involving those charged with crimes or repeat offenders.
In a bid to bypass the city’s progressive City Council, Adams is exploring whether he can use executive powers to modify the sanctuary laws. Supporters argue that the laws help immigrants feel safe reporting crimes, seeking medical care, and enrolling their children in school without fear of deportation.
The meeting between Adams and Homan is the latest in a series of efforts by the mayor to find common ground with Trump. While it remains unclear whether Adams’s approach will yield results for New York City or his own political future, the mayor has vowed to push for comprehensive immigration reform and explore lawful ways to deport undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
Following the meeting, Adams released a statement reiterating his commitment to advocating for policies that ensure the safety of all residents, while addressing the need to remove individuals who pose a threat to the city.
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