Mayor Eric Adams is exploring the use of executive authority to modify New York City’s sanctuary city policies, aiming to address challenges arising from a significant influx of migrants. This initiative comes in response to the City Council’s reluctance to amend existing laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In a recent interview on CBS’s “The Point with Marcia Kramer,” Mayor Adams expressed his concerns:
“The City Council made it clear they don’t want to change that. They stated they’re not willing to change the sanctuary city law. I think they’re wrong. I have my teams looking at my power as executive orders. Do I have the power to do so? I have to protect the people of this city. That is my north star.”
Since 2022, New York City has encountered a substantial increase in migrants, leading to expenditures exceeding $6 billion for housing and support services. The current sanctuary city policies restrict local law enforcement from collaborating with federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even in cases involving individuals accused of serious crimes.
Councilman Robert Holden has criticized Mayor Adams for not utilizing his Charter Revision Commission to amend these laws. Holden advocates for reopening a federal immigration office at Rikers Island, which was closed in 2015, to facilitate the deportation of migrants involved in criminal activities.
In support of this proposal, ICE officials Todd Lyons and Kenneth Genalo have emphasized the benefits of such a facility, stating it would enable the direct transfer of foreign-born offenders from local custody to federal authorities, thereby enhancing public safety.
Mayor Adams has directed the city’s Corporation Counsel to explore potential executive actions that could permit limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities, particularly concerning individuals involved in serious violent felonies. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding New York City residents while navigating the legal constraints of the sanctuary city designation.
This development occurs amid broader discussions about the city’s sanctuary status and its implications for public safety and immigration enforcement. As the migrant crisis continues to impact the city, Mayor Adams is seeking solutions that balance humanitarian responsibilities with the necessity of maintaining public order.
Watch Below
WOAH! Eric Adams says he is weighing using his power as mayor to bypass NYC’s sanctuary city designation to allow President Trump to deport illegals.
He REALLY wants a pardon! pic.twitter.com/Na2DRk2yIq
— NYScanner (@nyscanner) December 9, 2024