New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with Tom Homan, former Trump administration immigration official, on Thursday, just a day after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a DOJ lawsuit against New York over immigration enforcement.
During the 90-minute closed-door meeting, Adams agreed to one of Homan’s biggest requests:
Allowing ICE agents access to Rikers Island to identify violent criminals.
“They’re going to be part of our intelligence, criminal aspects of it, and we’re going to be coordinating with them,” Adams said.
“We should focus on the individuals that they’re looking for.”
Adams’ Position on Immigration Enforcement
Despite giving ICE access to Rikers, Adams insisted that New York’s sanctuary city laws prevent him from helping ICE carry out deportations.
“Homan will have to go around the laws in this city,” Adams explained.
“He has the power as the border czar and ICE to institute civil enforcement. I can’t do that.”
While Adams and Homan agreed on some issues, other discussions remain private as the mayor awaits legal review.
Critics Question Adams’ Relationship with the Trump Administration
With the DOJ lawsuit against New York, some critics of Adams believe his cooperation with Homan is a political move to ease federal scrutiny on his administration.
Election Opponent Scott Stringer Accuses Adams of Political Favoritism
“Tom Homan came here to give the mayor his marching orders. Trump sent him to collect on the debt,” Stringer, who is running for mayor, claimed.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries Expresses Concern
“It is the intention of the Trump administration to keep the current mayor on a short leash,” Jeffries warned.
“How the mayor responds will determine his political future.”
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Opposes ICE Access to Rikers
“We are looking to close Rikers Island, not extend its operation,” she stated, criticizing Adams’ decision to allow ICE involvement.
Federal Government Claws Back $80 Million in FEMA Funding
Adding to the controversy, the federal government recently revoked $80 million in FEMA funds that were meant to help New York house migrants.
Elon Musk and the “DOGE” Investigation
Elon Musk, who leads the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claimed the money was misused on luxury hotels. Soon after, DHS announced that four federal employees had been fired for unauthorized payments.
City Comptroller Brad Lander Demands Answers
“The shelter and services program has a $12.50 per night cap on hotel and shelter prices,” Lander explained.
“Obviously, New York paid much more than that for migrant shelters.”
City officials have launched an internal investigation and requested an emergency meeting with FEMA to reclaim the missing funds.
DOJ Lawsuit Against New York and Sanctuary City Laws
New York’s Green Light Law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, is at the center of the DOJ’s legal challenge.
“New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens,” Pam Bondi said. “It stops today.”
However, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James vowed to fight back:
“New York is not backing down,” Hochul said.
“Our state laws protect all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe,” James added.
The DOJ also sued Illinois and Chicago last week over their sanctuary city policies, signaling a broader federal crackdown.
