Tensions are rising in New York City as over 1,000 demonstrators gathered on Saturday to demand that Gov. Kathy Hochul remove Mayor Eric Adams from office. Led by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), protesters marched from Washington Square Park to City Hall, calling for stronger action against the mayor amid growing concerns about his ties to former President Donald Trump and alleged corruption.
A second march from Foley Square to City Hall has already been scheduled for Thursday, signaling that the protests are far from over.
Why Are Protesters Calling for Mayor Eric Adams’ Removal?
The outcry follows allegations that Mayor Adams was involved in a quid pro quo arrangement with the Trump administration to have the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismiss his federal corruption charges in exchange for cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While Adams has denied these allegations, many New Yorkers remain skeptical of his intentions.
Protesters argue that Adams is putting his relationship with Trump ahead of the city’s residents.
“He was elected to represent New York City residents, not Donald Trump,” said Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of NYIC.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Response
While Gov. Hochul has resisted calls to remove Mayor Adams outright, she has taken steps to limit his power:
- City officials can now sue the Trump administration without the mayor’s approval.
- Efforts are being made to expand state oversight of immigration enforcement actions in the city.
However, critics argue that these moves aren’t enough.
“What we need is somebody who stands up to Donald Trump by not just removing Eric Adams, but by passing the ‘New York for All’ Act,” said Alicé Nascimento, political director for New York Communities for Change.
What Is the ‘New York for All’ Act?
The New York for All Act would change how state and local officers interact with federal immigration laws and ICE. If passed, the bill would:
- Prohibit local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE without a judicial warrant.
- Prevent the sharing of sensitive information with federal immigration authorities.
- Protect undocumented New Yorkers from unwarranted deportation actions.
Activists believe this legislation would help reduce the fear felt by New York’s undocumented immigrant community.
“They’re afraid. They don’t want to go to work because they’re afraid of being attacked or facing immigration raids,” said Gabina Santamaria from Staten Island.
Political Fallout: Allegations and Legal Complaints
The controversy has escalated beyond City Hall. On Friday, Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal filed a formal complaint against Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney General Emil Bove. He accused Bove of misusing legal authority to dismiss charges against Adams for political gain, demanding the removal of his license to practice law.
Meanwhile, Adams remains defiant:
“I would be irresponsible as the mayor of this city if I did not engage with the White House and engage with the president,” Adams said in an interview with CBS News New York.
