Calls for New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ removal are intensifying as activists and political groups protest against federal prosecutors’ decision to drop corruption charges against him. On Sunday, protesters gathered in Lower Manhattan, demanding that Governor Kathy Hochul take action to remove Adams from office.
Despite mounting pressure, Adams remains defiant, addressing supporters at churches in Queens and declaring, “I’m not stepping down. I’m stepping up.”
Protests Demanding Adams’ Removal
Immigrant Rights Groups Lead the Charge
Several immigrant rights groups rallied in Foley Square, insisting that Hochul intervene.
Alice Nascimento, political director of New York Communities for Change, called it an “emergency march”, claiming,
“The mayor of the most important city in the world is being held hostage by Donald Trump.”
Perla Silva, from Make The Road Action, emphasized,
“The voters voted for Eric Adams, and now they want a chance to put somebody else in the seat. We don’t want to wait until June.”
Assemblyman Harvey Epstein added,
“It’s a city of immigrants, and we protect each other’s rights. He’s beholden to Trump every single day.”
The protesters vowed to continue demonstrating daily outside City Hall until Adams resigns or is removed.
Adams’ Response: “I Am Going Nowhere”
Speaking to supporters in Queens, Adams rejected calls to resign, stating,
“I am going nowhere, nowhere. I’m the second Black mayor in the history of this city.”
He dismissed the protests, questioning their impact,
“There are 8.3 million people in this city. Are there going to be 8.3 million there? Thank you.”
Governor Hochul’s Position on Adams’ Future
While Gov. Kathy Hochul has not publicly called for Adams’ resignation, she acknowledged in an MSNBC interview that she is consulting with officials on possible actions.
Hochul stated: “I need some time to process this and figure out the right approach.”
At a Sunday event, she stood alongside state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who has openly called for Adams’ resignation. However, Hochul did not address Adams directly, instead focusing on immigration and abortion policies related to former President Trump.
Hochul assured New Yorkers, – “I’m used to being the eye of the hurricane. We’re going to calm it all down, okay? We’re going to be okay, because you have strong leaders who know how to take it to the mat.”
Many expect follow-up questions for Hochul on Monday, as the controversy continues.
Why Are Critics Calling for Adams’ Removal?
The backlash against Adams follows federal prosecutors’ surprising decision to drop corruption charges against him. However, a judge has yet to approve the decision.
Key concerns fueling the protests:
- Top prosecutors in the Southern District of New York refused to sign off on dropping the charges.
- Some resigned in protest, alleging a political deal between Adams and the White House.
- The alleged deal involved Adams cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
Adams’ Controversial Meeting with Trump’s “Border Czar”
Criticism escalated after Adams met with Tom Homan, Trump’s former ICE director, and agreed to allow federal immigration agents into Rikers Island.
Critics argue this violates NYC’s sanctuary laws, originally passed in 2014, which limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Homan defended the agreement, telling CNN, – “I don’t really think this has anything to do with what’s going on with the Justice Department. We’ve been talking for months about Rikers Island, and that’s what we discussed.”
