New York City Mayor Eric Adams, appearing on Fox 5 New York’s Good Day New York Friday morning, addressed the ongoing federal lawsuit challenging the city’s sanctuary policy. Adams advocated for modifying the sanctuary law to enable stronger federal collaboration on violent offenders, while affirming protections for undocumented immigrants pursuing the American Dream.
Adams emphasized the distinction between violent criminals and undocumented individuals seeking better opportunities. “When people use the term ‘sanctuary city,’ what we’re saying is that you have the right—with your tax dollars—to access the resources you deserve,” he stated.
Discussing the recent shooting targeting an off‑duty Border Patrol agent, Mayor Adams argued for clearer coordination with federal authorities. “If someone commits a violent act like that—and these guys were repeated offenders—we should be able to coordinate with the federal authorities to address those situations,” Adams said. He clarified that this would not affect those who are “going about following their next step on the American Dream that are undocumented. We should not be harming them at all. These are innocent people who are just trying to pursue the American Dream.”
Adams called for targeted reforms to the sanctuary law that preserve protections for law‑abiding undocumented residents while allowing law enforcement to act swiftly in cases involving serious violence or repeated criminal behavior. He stressed that removing access to taxpayer-funded services based solely on immigration status would punish vulnerable families rather than criminals.
The mayor’s remarks reflect broader debate in the city and at the federal level over sanctuary policies and public safety. Adams reiterated that reevaluating sanctuary statutes is necessary to balance safe communities with humane treatment for undocumented immigrants who abide by the law and contribute to society.
