'Too little, too late': NYC Mayor Eric Adams shredded as he calls for modifying sanctuary city policy

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adam recently urged city lawmakers to modify the sanctuary city law to allow for the possibility of deporting migrants who have engaged in violent criminal activity.

This comes amid mounting criticism of the influx of immigrants into New York City by legislators and law enforcement officials.

Adams, along with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, has been advocating for additional support from the Biden administration and Congress to help migrants obtain work visas and access additional housing support, as per The Hill.

What did Mayor Eric Adams say regarding modifying sanctuary city law?

On Monday, February 26, Mayor Adams said, "The overwhelming amount of migrants that are here, they want to work. I still don’t understand why the federal government’s not allowing them to work. They need to have the right to work like all of us that have come to this country had the ability to do so."

He added, "But those small numbers that are committing crimes, we need to modify the sanctuary city law that if you commit a felony, a violent act, we should be able to turn you over to (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and have you deported. It is a right to live in this city, and you should not be committing crimes in our city. Right now, we don’t have the authority to do so."

A number of high-profile violent crimes by migrants, such as the shooting of a tourist during a Times Square retail robbery earlier this month, have prompted calls for a policy change.

In 1989, New York City became the pioneer in enacting the so-called sanctuary city policy, which prohibits cooperation with federal immigration officials. It was extended in 2014 to prohibit the city, with limited conditions, from turning over migrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Since then, many cities across the nation have implemented a similar policy, which has recently become the focal point of political disputes over immigration laws.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Adams emphasized the need for change even further, saying, "I don’t believe people who are violent in our city and commit repeated crimes should have the privilege of being in our city."

He asserted, "You don’t have the right to be in our city and tarnish the overwhelming number who are here following the rules."

To amend the sanctuary policy, the mayor would require the support of the majority of the city's lawmakers. CNN reported that Adrienne Adams, the Speaker of the City Council, stated earlier this week that the body has no intention of making any changes.

Internet slams New York City Mayor Eric Adams as he proposes a change in the sanctuary city law

Netizens were quick to question Adams' calls for modification in the sanctuary city law, with some pointing out the mayoral election set to be held on November 4, 2025. 

One remarked, "Too little too late," and another stated, "2024 Eric Adams is having a sad that 2020 Eric Adams voted for this very thing."

"Nope. They asked for this," wrote a person, while someone else added, "Commonly referred to as closing the barn door after the horses have run out."

An individual question, "Lol, well, why are you just now doing this?"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.