New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signaled a major shift in immigration policy, announcing his willingness to cooperate with President Donald Trump’s administration—even if it means jeopardizing the city’s long-standing “sanctuary” status.
Adams, known for his centrist stance within the Democratic Party, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he recently met with Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan to discuss deportation strategies aimed at removing violent gangs from New York. The mayor confirmed he is working on an executive order that would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents back into Rikers Island prison to facilitate deportations, a move that would undo a key aspect of the city’s sanctuary protections.
Since 2014, New York’s “sanctuary city” policy has limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, preventing ICE from operating within local detention facilities. However, under Adams’ proposed order, federal agents would regain access to assist with criminal investigations, particularly those targeting violent offenders and gang members.
“I have been clear that I want to work with the new federal administration, not war with them,” Adams stated, emphasizing his desire for a collaborative approach rather than confrontation. He also suggested embedding more New York Police Department (NYPD) detectives into federal task forces focusing on organized crime and gang activity.
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Adams’ pivot towards aligning with Trump’s hardline immigration stance comes amid legal troubles of his own. Earlier this week, the Trump administration urged Manhattan prosecutors to drop corruption charges against the mayor, raising speculation about a potential political deal. In a dramatic twist, the federal prosecutor leading the case against Adams resigned on Thursday, further fueling controversy.
The mayor’s decision to engage with ICE has sparked outrage among immigrant rights groups. The Immigrant Defense Project slammed the move as a “shameless betrayal,” accusing Adams of using immigrant communities as bargaining chips in a “quid pro quo with President Trump” to escape legal scrutiny.
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has escalated the battle over New York’s sanctuary status by suing state authorities, challenging the financial hub’s long-standing policies protecting undocumented immigrants.
With Adams stepping into Trump’s orbit, New York City’s political landscape is shifting in unexpected ways, setting the stage for fierce debates over immigration, law enforcement, and the future of sanctuary policies in America’s largest city.
