Exclusive | Border czar Tom Homan ‘not happy’ with immigration crackdown in NYC ahead of Adams meeting: source

Tensions Rise as Border Czar Tom Homan Expresses Frustration with Mayor Eric Adams

A growing tension is unfolding between Border Czar Tom Homan and New York City Mayor Eric Adams over the city’s response to President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. According to sources, Homan is “not happy” with the lack of progress made by Adams’ administration to support the federal immigration crackdown. This dissatisfaction is expected to dominate their upcoming second meeting, which is scheduled to take place at the ICE headquarters in New York City. The meeting will mark a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two leaders, as Homan seeks immediate action from Adams to address the issue of criminal migrants in the city.

A Second Meeting with High Stakes

The Thursday morning meeting will be held at 26 Federal Plaza, the New York City headquarters of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This will be the second face-to-face encounter between Homan and Adams since their initial meeting in December 2023 at Gracie Mansion. During their first sit-down, Adams reportedly discussed plans to reopen ICE’s office on Rikers Island, a move that could potentially streamline cooperation between local and federal authorities. Additionally, Adams expressed his commitment to cracking down on criminal migrants, a stance that initially seemed to align with Homan’s priorities. However, sources indicate that Adams has not fulfilled Homan’s expectations since then, leading to growing frustration.

Homan’s Demand for Immediate Action

Homan’s dissatisfaction stems from what he perceives as a lack of concrete progress by Adams’ administration. According to a source familiar with the matter, Homan is seeking immediate results and is unwilling to wait until next January for action. The source also suggested that Adams may need to take more drastic measures, such as issuing an executive order, to satisfy Homan’s demands. This could involve “unraveling” the complexities of New York City’s sanctuary policies, which have historically limited cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Homan’s impatience highlights the urgent nature of the issue in his view and the need for swift and decisive action.

Homan’s Call for NYPD Cooperation

During a recent radio interview, Homan revealed that he would be meeting with Adams again and outlined his expectations for the discussion. He expressed his hope that Adams would direct the New York Police Department (NYPD) to collaborate more closely with federal immigration authorities. Specifically, Homan wants the NYPD to share information about the whereabouts of criminal migrants, particularly those affiliated with groups like the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been linked to violent activities in the city. By leveraging the resources of both local and federal law enforcement, Homan believes that public safety can be significantly enhanced. However, the feasibility and legality of such a partnership remain unclear, as it raises questions about the boundaries of local and federal authority.

Adams’ Commitment to Collaboration

Despite the criticism from Homan, Mayor Adams has maintained that his administration is committed to working with the Trump administration on immigration issues. In a statement, mayoral spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak emphasized that Adams is focused on collaborating with federal authorities rather than engaging in conflict. She highlighted the mayor’s willingness to explore all lawful avenues to remove violent migrants from the city and to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies. While Adams has not yet implemented the specific measures Homan is advocating for, his administration appears to be open to finding solutions that balance public safety with the legal and political complexities of immigration enforcement.

The Broader Implications of the Meeting

The meeting between Homan and Adams is not just a local issue; it reflects the broader tensions between federal immigration policies and the sanctuary policies of cities like New York. As the nation grapples with the challenges of immigration enforcement, the collaboration—or lack thereof—between local and federal authorities remains a contentious topic. The outcome of this meeting could have significant implications for the city’s approach to immigration and public safety, as well as for the relationship between the Trump administration and local governments. While Homan is pushing for immediate and decisive action, Adams is navigating a complex landscape of legal, political, and social considerations. The success of their partnership will depend on their ability to find common ground and implement solutions that address both public safety concerns and the rights of all individuals in New York City.