Tom Homan, the former acting ICE director who is also a border security expert and ex-official of the Department of Justice in New York City, has vehemently rejected any agreement with Mayor Eric Adams regarding the DOJ’s decision to dismiss its lawsuit against the mayor. It is a denial that comes amid suspicions about a connection between the DOJ’s decision to drop charges against Mayor Eric Adams and Adams recent agreement to grant Immigration and Customs Enforcement Access to Rikers.
The allegations against Mayor Adams
The Southern District of New York charged Mayor Adams in September with conspiracy, fraud by wire, and corruption. The charges were based on allegations that Mayor Adams had accepted over $100,000 worth of luxury gifts from Turkish businessmen and officials, as well as illegal campaign contributions. This was allegedly in exchange for the facilitation of opening a Turkish Consulate in New York with no fire safety inspections. Adams has always denied all of these allegations.
The DOJ’s decision to drop the charges against Adams sparked controversy and prompted the resignation of several federal prosecutors involved in this case. Homan’s comments and Homan’s timing have led to speculation of a possible quid pro-quo.
Homan’s Position on Immigration Enforcement in New York
In a recent interview on Fox & FriendsHoman declared his intent to make Adams answerable for their agreement. Homan warned Adams that if he did not keep his promise to enforce immigration, he was going to confront him personally and demand an explanation.
In addition, the results of a recent New York TimesIpsos’ survey of the public (January 2-10) showed that there was strong support among voters for more strict immigration policies. 55% of respondents supported mass deportations, and 88% were in favor of deporting undocumented migrants with criminal histories. A poll conducted by Ipsos revealed that both Democrats and Republicans agree on the fact that our current immigration policy is flawed.
CNN State of the UnionDana Bash posed a direct question to Homan regarding the possible existence of an agreement with Adams. She avoided calling it “quid-pro-quo” but emphasized that Homan had pressed Adams on immigration issues.
Bash outlined the events in chronological order: Homan’s dissatisfaction at Adams’ initial actions, DOJ’s dismissal of the charges and Adams’ agreement with Rikers Island. She asked if these events had any connection.
Homan’s Defense: Two Cops Having a Good Time
Homan rejected Bash’s suggestion, invoking his previous criticisms against Adams regarding public safety. His agreement with Adams stemmed from a desire to reduce crime and threats to public safety in New York City. Homan said that the agreement allowed ICE agents access to Rikers Island. This privilege had been revoked by New York City in 2015, when it adopted sanctuary city policies.
Homan explained that “he talked about how New York City should be free of public safety risks.” He wants the illegal alien crime in New York City to decline, and we can work together to achieve that. We agree he does not want to become an immigration officer.
Homan clarified that he did not expect Adams would become an immigration official, but instead, he expected her to work with ICE to address threats to public safety, while leaving the immigration enforcement in their hands. Homan described their meeting as fruitful, but noted the slow implementation of their agreement.
“This is two cops talking… And people are making a lot out of nothing.”
Tom Homan, the border czar for Trump, downplays saying to New York City Mayor Eric Adams he would be “up their butts” if Adams did not “come through” with immigration enforcement. pic.twitter.com/RbQJY1zwGA
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) February 16, 2025
Addressing the appearance of his son Fox & FriendsHoman explained that his comments should be taken as “two policemen talking”, and intended to be humorous. Adams responded that he was also going to hold Homan, and ICE, accountable. Homan claimed that this was just a simple conversation between law enforcement officers and that there was no need to overreact.
The Controversy: Reactions
This controversy has provoked intense reactions among political leaders and commentators.
Ron Filipkowski, Editor-in-Chief of Meidas Touch Media. expressed his anger on X, formerly Twitter. He accused the DOJ for “sheer criminality.” He claimed that Adams’ charges had been dropped, not because of a lack evidence, but that Adams was willing to work with Homan to round up migrants.
Maria Cardona is a CNN commentator and Democratic strategist, also voiced skepticism on X, asserting that nobody believes the dropping of charges and the ICE access to Rikers Island is *not* a quid pro quo.
In contrast, Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis from New YorkTom Homan, the president of the United States and Adams for their efforts to get Adams to act were praised. She argued ICE’s access to Rikers is vital for the safety of communities and enables them to remove dangerous individuals.
The Future of Immigration Enforcement for New York City
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has faced calls to remove Adams from office but has resisted making a hasty, politically-motivated decision. Now, the focus is on the ICE operation in New York City.
Homan said that ICE agents would target schools and churches “if there is a serious public safety concern,” citing an example where an MS-13 gangster attended a high school. It raises questions about possible profiling, and its impact on communities that are vulnerable.