...
By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
What's New
New York Mayor Eric Adams is facing criticism from a state assembly member who accused him of "kissing [President-elect] Donald Trump's ring" due to his willingness to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration on contentious immigration policies, including mass deportations.
Mayor Adams's office declined to comment.
Read More on News
Why It Matters
Adams recently met with Tom Homan, Trump's designated border czar, to discuss plans for enforcing the president-elect's hardline immigration agenda.
Meanwhile, Trump said on December 16 that he would consider pardoning Adams who is currently facing bribery charges.
Adams, a Democrat, is facing a federal investigation over alleged fraud and corruption, including claims of accepting luxury travel benefits worth more than $100,000 and illegal campaign donations from foreign nationals. He has pleaded not guilty. Multiple members of his administration are also being probed.
...
What To Know
The meeting with Homan has prompted Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas to accuse Adams of betraying the city's values by "aligning with right-wing xenophobes by kissing the ring of Trump."
"Mayor Adams has made it very clear that he favors inhumane enforcement against migrants, most of whom are here seeking asylum from dangerous conditions in their home countries," González-Rojas told Newsweek.
"Let's remember that Tom Homan is the guy who orchestrated the separation of immigrant families, which has led to several children being orphaned and tearing families apart."
Adams, who was a registered Republican from 1995 to 2002 has already faced backlash over his handling of the migrant shelter crisis in New York City, which critics argue reflects failures of leadership on immigration.
González-Rojas said that the mayor's willingness to collaborate with Homan—a key architect of Trump-era family separation policies—demonstrates a "disregard for the humanity of our newest New Yorkers."
"It is cruel and wrong. If the way Adams has handled the migrant shelter issue is any evidence of his mismanagement and ineptitude on the issue, his intention to work with Tom Homan is only evidence for his continued disregard of the humanity of our newest New Yorkers.
"The mayor is aligning with right-wing xenophobes by kissing the ring of Trump and showing New Yorkers that he is not a leader for this city. Mayor Adams cares only about his own interests, as evidenced by the corruption charges against him," she said, referring to ongoing investigations into alleged wrongdoing.
The sharp rebuke underscores a growing divide within the Democratic Party over how to address immigration as Trump gears up for his return to the presidency.
What People Are Saying
Karoline Leavitt, Trump-Vance Transition spokeswoman, told Newsweek: "Local and state officials on the frontlines of the Harris-Biden border invasion have been suffering for four years and are eager for President Trump to return to the Oval Office.
"On day one, President Trump will marshal every lever of power to secure the border, protect their communities, and launch the largest mass deportation operation of illegal immigrant criminals in history."
What Happens Next
Given that Trump has said he would consider pardoning Adams, if the mayor faces any charges or legal challenges, the potential for a pardon could escalate political tensions among Democrats. It might also lead to increased scrutiny of his political decisions and alliances.
The controversy surrounding Adams's willingness to work with Trump's second administration on immigration issues, particularly with figures like Homan, could deepen divisions within the Democratic Party.
More critics could challenge the incumbent mayor, potentially influencing the upcoming mayoral elections in 2025 and Adams's standing within the party.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines