New York City Mayor Eric Adams is taking a significant step by working with federal immigration authorities to allow operations on Rikers Island. This move follows a meeting with border czar Tom Homan and marks a shift from the city's established sanctuary policies. An executive order is in development to reinstate ICE agent access to Rikers Island, focusing on aiding criminal investigations, particularly those involving violent criminals and gangs. Adams and Homan also discussed strategies to combat violent migrant gangs and increase NYPD officer participation in federal task forces.
The Rikers Island jail complex is seen with the Manhattan skyline in the background on June 20, 2014. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
Unlike many other mayors in Democratic-led cities, Adams has shown willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration on addressing illegal immigration and crime. He highlighted the substantial number of migrants New York City has received, exceeding 230,000, and the associated financial strain of approximately $7 billion, with limited support from the previous administration. Adams emphasized his desire to find common ground with the new federal administration for the betterment of New Yorkers.
Border czar Tom Homan, left, met with New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday to discuss the city’s ongoing migrant crisis. (Getty Images)
This collaboration follows the Justice Department's directive to drop a bribery case against Adams and Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon's subsequent resignation. The Trump administration has firmly opposed sanctuary cities, with recent actions against New York and other municipalities.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams sits down for an interview with Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum. (Fox News / The Story)
