New York City Mayor Eric Adams has told critics to “cancel me” if they oppose his decision to engage with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration to address the migrant crisis. Adams said his primary focus is protecting New Yorkers as the city struggles with over 210,000 illegal immigrants arriving in the past two years.
Adams expressed his openness to working with Trump’s administration, including border czar Tom Homan, to find solutions for the city’s overwhelmed resources. “I strongly believe in sitting down with those across the aisle,” Adams said, emphasizing the need for bipartisan collaboration on border security and public safety.
New York City has spent $6.4 billion managing the migrant crisis, and Adams has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for denying additional funding. He said the incoming Trump team offers hope for a more effective response to the border situation.
Adams also clarified that his focus is targeting illegal immigrants committing crimes, not those who are law-abiding after entering the country illegally. He dismissed accusations from the left, saying, “Cancel me, because I’m going to protect the people of this city.”
This shift marks a significant departure from Adams’ earlier approach, aligning him with efforts to prioritize public safety over party politics. His willingness to collaborate with Trump’s team has sparked backlash from progressive critics, but Adams remains steadfast in his commitment.
Adams’ move signals a pragmatic effort to address the ongoing migrant crisis, one he argues is beyond political divisions. His decision to prioritize New Yorkers’ safety reflects growing frustration with the federal government’s inaction.