New York City mayor cancels trip to southern border due to ‘safety concerns’

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has canceled a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border scheduled for Sunday due to heightened safety concerns, his office confirmed to The Hill.

Adams was scheduled to leave for the U.S.-Mexico border on Saturday and visit Brownsville and McAllen, Texas, to meet with humanitarian leaders. He was invited by Sister Norma Pimental, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande, a New York City Hall spokesperson said in a letter to The Hill.

“As Lent draws to a close, our team is excited to stand alongside leaders of faith and humanitarianism who have dedicated their lives to serving the poorest among us. “We were eager to discuss our work in New York City and explore new ways to collaborate with city leaders across the country,” a New York City Hall spokesperson wrote to The Hill. It was sent.

“However, due to safety concerns in one of the cities designated by the U.S. Department of State to visit in Mexico, we have decided to temporarily suspend this trip,” the spokesperson continued.

It was not immediately clear what prompted these concerns.

The trip cancellations come as New York City faces unique challenges in welcoming an influx of immigrants into the city. Mr. Adams was among various mayors who sounded the alarm that more resources were needed to deal with the migrant surge.

New York City is among a variety of Democratic-led cities targeted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is bussing thousands of asylum seekers in protest of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. The Big Apple has been under a state of emergency since October 2022 due to an “unprecedented humanitarian crisis.”

More than 184,000 immigrants have come to New York City seeking assistance since spring 2022, according to city officials.

“Thanks to our dedicated efforts, more than 120,000 people have already been able to take the next step on the path to self-sufficiency. Finding solutions to national problems requires cooperation between nations. “It’s necessary,” the spokesperson said.

In January, Adams visited El Paso, Texas, and said he was “deeply disappointed” by the federal government’s lack of urgency in responding to what he called a “man-made crisis.” ” he said.