Tom Homan, the incoming Border Czar, is preparing to meet with Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams as the city grapples with an overwhelming surge of migrants, straining local resources and contributing to a rise in crime. Homan, a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, expressed his willingness to collaborate, saying that his priority is to ensure the safety of communities, particularly in the face of an escalating migrant crisis.
“I’m willing to meet with anybody who wants to make their communities safer,” Homan said on America’s Newsroom earlier this week. His focus, he explained, is to address public safety threats, emphasizing the importance of working together with local officials to reduce crime and protect both residents and law enforcement officers. Homan’s message to Adams and others struggling with similar issues is clear: “Let’s prioritize safety, work with us, and we can get this done.”
Homan’s invitation to collaborate comes as New York City and other left-leaning cities are seeing their infrastructures overwhelmed by the rapid influx of migrants. With hotels at capacity and rising concerns over crime, Adams has acknowledged the strain on the city but has yet to publicly respond to Homan’s offer to meet. While the meeting’s date remains uncertain, Homan signaled his intent to engage with the mayor soon.
However, not all Democratic leaders are on board with Homan’s approach. California Senator Alex Padilla, for instance, voiced opposition to any federal effort to involve local law enforcement in immigration enforcement, calling it “the California way” to protect immigrant communities. Homan responded firmly, clarifying that he does not want local law enforcement to act as immigration officers. Instead, he emphasized the need for cooperation, especially when it comes to detaining criminals who are in the U.S. illegally. “We’re asking to assist us in the jails,” Homan said, noting that the California Sheriffs Association supports his efforts.
Other Democratic leaders, such as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, have also criticized proposals for mass deportations. Despite their opposition, Homan remains focused on the safety of American communities, emphasizing that strengthening border security and working with local officials is crucial to addressing the ongoing crisis.
As cities like New York face mounting challenges from illegal immigration, the debate over how to handle the crisis will undoubtedly continue. Yet, one thing is clear: those committed to public safety must prioritize the protection of law-abiding citizens over unchecked border policies that strain resources and endanger communities.