Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, is set to meet New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday. The two will discuss the city’s migrant crisis and strategies for deporting criminal illegal migrants causing havoc on city streets.
They’re scheduled to meet at City Hall at 1 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. press conference, according to the mayor’s office. The main goal is identifying and deporting criminal migrants while sparing undocumented individuals who pose no threat, a source told the New York Post.
Homan, known for his tough stance on immigration, has promised to enforce Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. He plans to focus on deporting migrants deemed threats to national security or public safety.
Adams has often criticized the federal government for insufficient support during the city’s migrant surge. Since 2022, over 225,000 migrants have arrived, straining city resources and taxpayers. Violent crime has risen, with groups like the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua gaining traction.
Recently, migrant arrivals have dropped significantly. Adams credits Biden administration policies limiting asylum claims and city programs relocating migrants to "preferred destinations." Over 47,000 migrants have been helped to relocate through these efforts.
Trump has threatened to cut federal funding for sanctuary cities resisting his deportation agenda. New York’s sanctuary status dates back to the 1979 "Callahan Decree," which established the right to shelter homeless men and has since extended to migrants. Adams has criticized its current application to the migrant crisis.
Adams has taken a harder line on illegal immigration, announcing plans to close 25 shelters in the coming months. He also hinted that immigrants charged with crimes might not deserve due process. "We’re finding more ways to save taxpayer money while managing this response," Adams said Tuesday.
Unlike other Democratic leaders, Adams has shown willingness to cooperate with Homan on deporting criminal migrants. He also supports work authorization and protection from deportation for non-violent undocumented individuals.
"I want to meet with our border czar to find common ground," Adams said last week. "We must secure our borders, address violent offenders, and ensure citizen safety." His recent shift has even sparked speculation about a return to the Republican Party.
A new Siena College poll shows that 54% of New York voters support Trump’s deportation plans for illegal immigrants. Support remains strong statewide, including in New York City.