Amid the ongoing immigration crisis, New York City has welcomed illegal migrants with open arms. But during a recent town hall meeting, Democratic Mayor Eric Adams admitted that the “sanctuary city” law must be adjusted to account for criminal acts.
A town hall discussion on Monday, February 26 found Adams, a notorious supporter for broad and open immigration policies, appearing to admit the problems with NYC’s laws making it a “sanctuary city” for illegal migrants.
A clip of the gathering was posted to X by Leeroy Johnson, and independent photographer in the city. In the video, Adams noted his lack of understanding surrounding “why” the United States government has restrictions on immigrants working.
He then said that, of what he described as “small numbers” of migrants who have “committed crimes,” NYC leaders “need to modify” the law so that officials can arrest and deport those who “commit a felony or violent act.” Adams specifically said the law should be amended to include a stipulation that criminals be given to the authority of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
Canarsie Brooklyn NY
During a town hall meeting, the @NYCMayor explains that by law, he has to house the migrants and due to federal law, he can't turn the busses or planes around. He also states him and his team did the job better than any state or city.
Filmed by @LeeroyPress… pic.twitter.com/qu1p55qv7W— Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) February 27, 2024
The video does not include context to what led to the mayor’s discussion of the sanctuary city law, but his words were met with applause from citizens in attendance. A follow-up video posted by Johnson shows Adams explaining that there is only so much he can do regarding the massive wave of immigrants pouring into the city.
The mayor said he is restricted by federal and local laws in many ways, leaving him unable to “stop the buses from coming in,” providing work authorizations and housing, and removing immigrants who cause trouble. Adams also argued that NYC has managed the issue better than any “other city” which is facing a similar migrant crisis.
Earlier this month, Adams was asked by an assemblyman from Staten Island if he would entertain the possibility of issuing executive orders to change the sanctuary city law in light of violence and arrests involving immigrants. The city had previously seen a rise in incidents in Times Square and the Bronx.
The mayor implied that he would be willing to consider adjusting the law but remained committed to discussing the possibility with the city council before coming to a conclusion on the matter.