New York City Mayor Eric Adams is standing firm on his stance regarding the deportation of criminal migrants. He emphasizes his commitment to the safety of New Yorkers while also calling for a fair and humane approach to immigration. In a recent media briefing, Mayor Adams addressed concerns about the growing migrant crisis and defended his position on deporting individuals who commit crimes in the city.
Mayor Adams made clear that his focus is on individuals who pose a threat to public safety. “Those who are here committing crimes, robberies, shooting at police officers, raping innocent people have been a harm to our country,” he said. “I want to sit down and hear the plan on how we’re going to address them.”
While advocating for the swift removal of criminals, Mayor Adams also distinguished between those who break the law and the many immigrants who come to the U.S. seeking a better life. He pointed to examples of law-abiding immigrants, including those who have lived and worked in the city for years, contributing to its growth and success. “You have Miss Jones from some country, [who] has been here for 10 years, undocumented, working hard, trying to provide a way, not committing a crime. Those people should not be rounded up in the middle of the night,” Mayor Adams said.
Mayor Adams’ position mirrors sentiments expressed by both former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who have also called for the deportation of criminal migrants. In a pointed response to critics, Mayor Adams reminded reporters of their shared views: “They said those who commit crimes need to get out right away. That was their position. So this is not a new position. You know, because in this state of– in the era of cancel culture, no one’s afraid to be honest about the truth.”
The comments come amid rising tensions surrounding the migrant crisis and increasing scrutiny of how cities like New York are handling the influx of asylum seekers. He has consistently maintained that while the city must provide sanctuary to those in need, it must also prioritize the safety of its residents. “If you come into this country in this city and think you’re going to harm innocent New Yorkers and innocent migrants and asylum seekers, this is not the mayor you want to be in the city under,” Mayor Adams said.
During the briefing, Mayor Adams also addressed a question regarding his stance on criminality and immigration. The reporter asked, “So in your view, someone is a criminal if they have been charged with a crime, because you yourself have been charged with a crime? And, if you were a law-abiding asylum seeker in New York City, would you be scared about the prospect of the incoming administration?”
Mayor Adams gave a sharp, confident response, defending his position. “Okay, two things. First part, I’m an American. Americans have certain rights. You know, the Constitution is for Americans. And I’m not a person that snuck into this country. My ancestors have been here for a long time, for a long time. And I don’t know if your blouse is made of cotton, but they used to pick some of that,” he began, pointing to his roots in the country.
He alluded to his family’s history as descendants of enslaved people who were brought to America against their will and forced into slavery, including picking cotton. He emphasized that this history reflects his deep connection to the country and the rights granted to its citizens. “The rights I have, the person that decides to shoot a police officer, they should not have those same rights. Okay, that’s my position.”
Mayor Adams also emphasized the need for cooperation between local, state, and federal authorities to address the broader immigration policy issues. He expressed a willingness to work with the incoming Trump administration, particularly in improving government efficiency and tackling the nation’s immigration challenges. “We need to fix the immigration problem in this city,” he noted. “The American people said that. I don’t know if you really watch the election results. The president-elect hit the popular vote, hit the electoral vote.”
His approach to immigration and public safety has sparked debate, with some advocating for more lenient policies toward undocumented migrants. Others, in contrast, agree with Mayor Adams that authorities must take swift action against those who commit violent crimes.
In addition to his stance on immigration, Mayor Adams reaffirmed his dedication to government efficiency and education reform. By aligning with Elon Musk’s vision for change, he expressed excitement about improving government systems, especially in education.
“I came [into] office talking about government inefficiency,” Mayor Adams said, emphasizing that his focus on innovation has been consistent. He noted that while some may see his alignment with Musk as politically motivated, his stance on reforming government has always been clear. “It’s time to fix [the] government,” he stated.
Mayor Adams also voiced confidence in Musk’s ability to help revamp the city’s education system, noting that New York was once a leader in innovation. “We were a country and a city that led the globe in innovation. And look at us now. It’s time. It’s time for change,” Mayor Adams said.
As New York City navigates the complex issues of immigration, public safety, and government efficiency, Mayor Adams continues to push for policies that prioritize safety while fostering innovation. His clear stance on deporting criminal migrants and commitment to reforming the city’s educational and governmental systems illustrates his dedication to bringing meaningful change to the city. As New York grapples with these complex issues, Mayor Adams remains focused on addressing the city’s challenges with a commitment to safety, fairness, progress, and respect for the law.
