Mayor Adams to Top Commissioners: Don’t Criticize Trump, Don’t Interfere with Immigration Enforcement
A Clear Message
Mayor Eric Adams gathered his top commissioners and officials early Monday to give marching orders under the new administration: don’t criticize President Trump, don’t interfere with immigration enforcement and trust the mayor, multiple sources told THE CITY.
The Meeting
Adams scheduled the approximately hour-long meeting, which was held at the Municipal Building, late Friday, after days of confusion over guidance on what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrive at city buildings, including schools and hospitals. THE CITY reported in January that one memo instructed city employees to intercept ICE agents attempting to enter city-owned buildings until city lawyers could weigh in. But Hell Gate reported last week that another memo told employees they could let federal law enforcement in if they feel “reasonably threatened.”
The Mayor’s Message
The mayor began the meeting by asking his top officials how they felt and that they shouldn’t be shy about sharing, sources told THE CITY. After some people expressed their concerns and asked for clearer guidance from the mayor, Adams ordered them to stop complaining and to keep their heads down and refrain from criticizing President Donald Trump — and trust that he will make sure the city doesn’t get federal grants pulled, multiple people told THE CITY.
Social Media
They were also ordered to not be critical of the president or federal government on social media. Trump has already threatened to pull federal funding for so-called sanctuary cities, where laws or policies limit local government cooperation with immigration enforcement. New York City’s laws allow cooperation with ICE only in limited instances involving people convicted of certain felonies, or with a judicial warrant.
Attendees
Attendees spotted by THE CITY entering the meeting included Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Health and Hospitals CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz, Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, and multiple deputy mayors.
The Mayor’s Rationale
Adams also told his top officials they needed to stop complaining about President Trump and move on because he was elected — which echoes what he’s repeatedly shared in press briefings.
Speculation
The mayor has said he won’t publicly criticize the president, and has refused to criticize Trump’s statements or actions when pressed by reporters. Trump said in December he would “look at” potentially pardoning Adams, whose federal corruption trial is set to begin in April. It’s fueled speculation that the mayor is acting chiefly to obtain a pardon or dropped charges from the president, even as Trump threatened to withhold crucial funding from the city.
Conclusion
Mayor Adams’ meeting with his top commissioners and officials sends a clear message: criticize neither President Trump nor his policies, and avoid interfering with immigration enforcement. The mayor’s decision to prioritize this message may be driven by a desire to secure a pardon or dropped charges, or to avoid losing federal funding. Whatever the motivation, it is clear that the mayor is committed to a policy of appeasement when it comes to the Trump administration.
FAQs
Q: What did Mayor Adams tell his top commissioners and officials during the meeting?
A: He told them not to criticize President Trump, not to interfere with immigration enforcement, and to trust him to ensure the city doesn’t lose federal grants.
Q: Why did the mayor give these instructions?
A: The mayor may be acting to secure a pardon or dropped charges from the president, or to avoid losing federal funding.
Q: Has the mayor criticized President Trump in the past?
A: No, the mayor has refused to criticize Trump’s statements or actions when pressed by reporters.
Q: What are the implications of the mayor’s instructions for the city?
A: The instructions may lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in the city’s dealings with the federal government, and may undermine the city’s ability to protect its residents from immigration enforcement.
