New York Mayor Eric Adams has expressed openness to the idea of deporting migrants who have been charged with crimes.
Adams, who is currently facing felony corruption and bribery charges himself, drew a distinction between his rights as an American citizen and those of undocumented migrants. "I’m an American," Adams stated. "Americans have certain rights.
The Constitution is for Americans, and I’m not a person that snuck into this country." Adams' comments come at a time when he is advocating for changes to New York City's sanctuary city policies. He has indicated a willingness to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump's new border czar, Tom Homan, to devise a plan for deporting migrants accused of serious crimes such as shootings or rape.
Highlighting a specific case, Adams referred to Bernardo Castro Mata, a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant accused of shooting two NYPD officers, saying, "I don’t want that guy in my city, plain and simple."
The mayor's stance has drawn criticism from Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition. Awawdeh accused Adams of "stoking fear and spreading disinformation," arguing that the mayor's remarks undermine the constitutional rights of immigrants and misrepresent due process.
"Simply for his own self-interest, you would think Mayor Adams would be the biggest proponent of due process," Awawdeh remarked, urging Adams to apologize for his statements.
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