New York Mayor Eric Adams has expressed that he is open to the possibility of deporting migrants who have been charged with crimes.
During a Tuesday news briefing, Adams, who is facing felony corruption and bribery charges in federal court, was asked how his legal situation influences his views on migrants. He stated that the rights he holds as an American are different from those of individuals who “snuck” into the country.
“I’m an American,” Adams said. “Americans have certain rights. The Constitution is for Americans, and I’m not a person that snuck into this country. What rights I have, the person that decides to shoot the police officer, they should not have those same rights. OK? That’s my position.”
Adams, who has often called for changes to the city’s sanctuary city policies, told reporters he is open to collaborating with former President Donald Trump’s new border czar to develop a plan to deport migrants charged with serious crimes such as shootings or rape.
He revealed that he plans to meet with Tom Homan, Trump’s new “border czar,” to discuss the incoming administration’s approach to potentially deporting migrant criminals. “My position is people who commit crimes in our city, you have abdicated your right to be in our city and I am open to figure out the best way to address that,” he said.
Referring to a recent case involving a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant, Adams said, “You’ve got a guy, he’s on camera shooting at a police officer,” referring to Bernardo Castro Mata, who illegally entered the U.S. before allegedly shooting two NYPD officers.
“I don’t want that guy in my city, plain and simple,” Adams added. “Those who are here committing crimes—robberies, shooting at police officers, raping innocent people—have been a harm to our country.”
The mayor’s remarks received backlash from Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, who accused Adams of undermining the constitutional rights of immigrants and spreading misinformation about due process.
“He is ripping a page from Trump’s playbook, stoking fear and spreading disinformation,” Awawdeh said. “We should be able to expect that the Mayor of New York City has a basic understanding of the Constitutional rights of the people he serves.”
Awawdeh continued, “Simply for his own self-interest, you would think Mayor Adams would be the biggest proponent of due process. He should apologize for his patently inaccurate statement, and make clear exactly how he will ensure every New Yorker maintains their Constitutional rights.”
