Mayor Adams Accused of Capitulating to Trump Administration over Immigration Enforcement
Trump Administration Drops Corruption Charges Against Adams
- The Justice Department has ordered federal prosecutors in Manhattan to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, citing a desire to allow him to advance President Donald Trump’s priorities on immigration enforcement.
- Acting interim U.S. attorney resigned in protest, as did six other prosecutors in New York and Washington, D.C.
Adams Denies Deal with Trump Administration
- Mayor Adams has denied making any agreement with the Trump administration, stating: "I never offered − nor did anyone offer on my behalf − any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case. Never."
- City officials point to Adams’ appearance on Fox & Friends, where he outlined priorities with White House "border czar" Tom Homan, as evidence of his willingness to cooperate with Trump’s immigration crackdown.
City Officials Accuse Adams of Betrayal
- Democratic officials in New York City accuse Mayor Adams of prioritizing his own political interests over the safety and well-being of immigrants in the city.
- Council Member Carmen de la Rosa stated that Adams "is being held hostage at his will" and "is choosing to sell out the people of New York for his own freedom."
Federal Prosecutors Object to Dropping Charges
- Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon resigned in protest, calling the decision "an improper offer of immigration enforcement assistance in exchange for a dismissal of his case."
- Hagan Scotten, another prosecutor on the case, also resigned, stating that no prosecutor willing to file a motion to dismiss the case could be found "within earshot of the President."
Adams’ Executive Action on Immigration Enforcement
- Mayor Adams has announced plans to allow ICE to return to Rikers Island jail complex to identify people suspected of gang activity and violent crimes.
- This executive action would bypass a 10-year-old city law that removed ICE from Rikers, which primarily holds pretrial detainees.
City Council Opposes Adams’ Plan
- City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and other council members have expressed concern about the legality of Mayor Adams’ order, stating that they will need to evaluate its legality.
- Murat Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, has condemned Adams’ actions, stating that "the biggest threat to New York City is Eric Adams in this moment. It is no one but him."
Adams Defends Collaboration with Trump Administration
- Mayor Adams has defended his collaboration with the Trump administration, asserting that New Yorkers support his approach to immigration enforcement.
- Appearing alongside Homan on Dr. Phil’s television show, Adams stated that he was "really pleased to have this collaboration" and that "this administration heard" his call for assistance in creating safety.
Ongoing Investigation and Impeachment Calls
- Despite the dismissal of corruption charges, city officials have called on Governor Kathy Hochul to remove Mayor Adams under the City Charter.
- Hochul has not ruled out such action but has cautioned against "knee-jerk" reactions.
- Investigations into Adams’ conduct and potential ties to the Trump administration are ongoing, raising further questions about the motivations behind the Justice Department’s decision to drop charges against him.
