Kaz Daughtry, deputy to Eric Adams, now collaborating with Trump’s ICE in New York

Former Eric Adams Aide Takes New Role in Immigration Enforcement

A former aide to Eric Adams has landed a new position in New York City focused on President Trump’s immigration enforcement strategies, according to sources.

Kaz Daughtry, who was a significant ally of the ex-mayor and had a rapid ascent in the New York City Police Department, eventually served as deputy mayor of public safety. He will soon take on the role of New York City’s contact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as reported by those familiar with the situation.

While the full scope of Daughtry’s responsibilities hasn’t been entirely defined, insiders suggest that he will be a political appointee at the Department of Homeland Security located in Suffolk County. His role will involve assisting ICE with removal operations.

Importantly, officials note that Daughtry won’t carry any law enforcement duties in this new role.

During Adams’ tenure, Daughtry held the title of NYPD detective, receiving several discretionary promotions. He wrapped up his time with the department as deputy chief of operations.

Adams appointed him as deputy mayor during his final year in office. Daughtry has been spotted on multiple occasions mingling with Trump administration officials, including interactions with the president at his golf club in New Jersey and even attending the inauguration.

Moreover, Daughtry contributed to a documentary about the NYPD directed by Jordan McGraw, the son of Dr. Phil, which is currently on pause due to the city seeking to release previously unreleased footage.

Notably, Adams approved the documentary in 2025, around the same time his unsuccessful re-election campaign funneled $500,000 to McGraw through a questionable Texas-based LLC.

Throughout the Adams administration, Dr. Phil made regular appearances, interviewing the mayor and featuring both Daughtry and former director Chell on his show.

The TV personality facilitated a notable sit-in between Adams and border czar Tom Homan at Gracie Mansion, which led to a controversial “Fox & Friends” interview where Trump officials threatened to “lift” the mayor’s “ass” if he failed to support ICE.

This encounter prompted Adams to commit to returning immigration officials to Rikers Island, a contentious decision that was later blocked by a judge.

Daughtry was instrumental in securing office space for ICE in troubled prisons and played a vital role in immigration raids targeting city-funded immigrant hotels in Manhattan, as promoted by Trump officials.