Following a shooting involving a non-working officer from U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams commented on the Trump administration’s actions. When asked about the former president’s plan to “water the zone” with ice agents, Adams expressed his willingness to collaborate. “If he helps us chase those individuals, I would welcome it,” Adams stated.
The mayor, who is campaigning for reelection as an independent, held a press conference on Monday to address the situation. He visited the officer who was injured, emphasizing the need to remove individuals from the streets who shouldn’t be there. Currently, the CBP officer is reported to be in stable condition.
Adams noted Secretary of Homeland Security Christie Noem’s distinction regarding the shootings and New York City’s Sanctuary Act. He insisted that he does not create these policies but will implement them. Reflecting on previous bail reform legislation passed under former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Adams expressed frustration, labeling the system a “revolving door” that returns dangerous individuals to the streets.
“I know how furious I am,” he said, explaining his commitment to halting this cycle and ensuring public safety. He aims to hold accountable those who pose threats while allowing law-abiding residents to lead their lives safely.
In a somewhat disjointed commentary on Trump, Adams mentioned confusion regarding his standing with the former administration. “You guys are confusing me. When they say I’m doing a good job, you attack me. When they say I’m doing something wrong, you question why I’m not upset,” he commented, struggling with the mixed messages surrounding his governance.
Regarding the incident, two Dominican nationals—Miguel Francisco Mora Nuñez and Cristian Aybar-Berroa—have been arrested in connection with the shooting, which occurred during an attempted robbery in Manhattan.
Adams highlighted that Aybar-Berroa has a criminal history that, according to Noem, was overlooked due to sanctuary city policies. Meanwhile, other candidates, like Democratic hopeful Zohran Mamdani, have remained silent on the issue. In a sharp critique, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa claimed that Adams’ policies were responsible for creating the conditions that led to the violence.
The situation continues to unfold, with varied reactions from different political figures, marking another chapter in the ongoing dialogue about public safety and immigration policies in the city.
