NYC Mayor Eric Adams praised the Trump administration’s efforts to secure the southern border, claiming these measures have provided ‘real relief’ to New York City. During an interview on the ‘Pod Force One’ podcast, Adams stated that the administration’s work has significantly reduced the number of asylum seekers entering the city, with fewer than 100 migrant asylum seekers arriving each week. He credited the border security measures for this decline, which he argues has alleviated pressure on municipal services and infrastructure.
Adams also discussed the financial burden of caring for illegal immigrants, highlighting the $7.7 billion the city spent on housing and care over the past few years. He argued that this money could have been redirected to other essential services, expressing concern over the long-term economic impact of these expenditures. When asked about the potential friction between his criticisms of the Biden administration and his recent federal indictment, Adams suggested that his advocacy for stricter border controls and his public statements about the administration’s immigration policies were linked to the investigation.
Adams claimed that the FBI’s search of his fundraiser’s home marked the beginning of a long-standing investigation, which he believes was sparked by his vocal opposition to the Biden administration’s approach. He accused the Justice Department of being ‘too politicized,’ aligning with Trump’s criticism and suggesting that the department’s actions were aimed at suppressing dissent. Adams also noted his belief that the Justice Department’s direction was misguided and that he wanted to prevent other Americans from facing similar legal challenges.
In April, a judge dismissed the corruption indictment against Adams with prejudice, though the decision did not absolve him of all legal consequences. Adams, in his statements, seemed to suggest that the investigation was a form of ‘lawfare,’ indicating that he felt politically targeted for his stance on immigration. The mayor’s comments highlight the tension between local governance and federal policy, as well as the broader implications of political criticism in the context of law enforcement and public administration.