Protesters Demand Adams’ Removal Over Immigration Policy Fears
Activists marched from Foley Square to City Hall, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to remove Mayor Adams over his collaboration with the Trump administration that could threaten sanctuary city protections.
By Simon Feisthauer Fournet
Community activists and elected officials gathered at Foley Square last Thursday, calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to remove Mayor Eric Adams from office, due to the potential implications of his collaboration with the Trump administration for New York’s immigrant communities.
The demonstration, organized by multiple advocacy groups including Make the Road New York and New York Communities for Change, brought together community leaders who argued that Adams’ recent policy decisions and legal challenges pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, especially immigrants.
Adams faced federal indictment on bribery and campaign finance violations, which were dropped in February. House Democrats have since launched an investigation, alleging a potential quid pro quo where Adams might have agreed to assist the Trump administration's immigration enforcement in exchange for dismissing the corruption charges, a move that could compromise New York City's sanctuary policies.
Councilmember Alexa Avilés of Brooklyn’s 38th district was present and emphasized the broader implications of Adams’ leadership. “This is not the first time I’ve called for the resignation of Mayor Adams, it is clearly necessary,” Avilés said. “All the facts are very, very clearly presented that the mayor is compromised, and he has decided to save himself and work for a xenophobic, racist federal administration rather than take care of our diverse, beautiful community.”
New York City’s sanctuary policies, which protect immigrants from federal immigration enforcement, could be undermined by Mayor Adams’ proposed executive order which would allow ICE operations at Rikers Island, potentially jeopardizing due process for people in custody.
With approximately 90 percent of people detained at Rikers awaiting trial, most are legally considered innocent of the crimes they were arrested for because they have not yet been convicted in court. This means federal immigration authorities could potentially deport individuals who have not been found guilty of any crime. Advocates are saying this prospect has created a climate of fear among immigrant communities, who worry about potential arbitrary detention and separation from their families.
Julio Herrera, the director of operations at the Black Institute, highlighted the community’s concerns. “We have been critical of the mayor since virtually day one,” Herrera said, calling for his removal from City Hall. “We’re talking about a mayor who has gone through austerity measures across our city and used migrants as scapegoats, he has sold out tenants and homeowners of this city to real estate developers, why are we surprised he’s selling out our city to the Trump administration and the billionaire class he answers to?”
Aisha, a participant with New York Communities for Change, said she had noticed tangible fears within immigrant communities. “A lot of worries, a lot of fear, people are scared to go to school, scared to go to work, scared to leave their houses because Eric Adams has made his alliance to Trump very clear,” she said.
Adams has repeatedly denied any collusion with Trump, including statements made under oath during a recent federal court hearing about his criminal indictment. The mayor maintains that his policy proposals regarding ICE—including potential operations at Rikers Island—are focused on addressing what he describes as “violent criminals and gangs.”
However, immigrant rights groups argue that such categorical distinctions between “violent criminals” and other immigrants are often arbitrary and can lead to widespread racial profiling and unjust detentions. The proposed policies could potentially undermine the sanctuary city protections that allow immigrants to access essential services like healthcare and emergency assistance without fear of deportation.
While Adams cannot completely circumvent city sanctuary laws, there are potential legal pathways for limited federal immigration enforcement collaborations, according to New York City’s detainer laws, such as allowing the mayor to authorize federal authorities to maintain offices on city-controlled land like Rikers for non-civil immigration purposes if done through an executive order.
The protesters also argued that Adams’ potential collaboration with Trump goes beyond immigration policy, suggesting a broader pattern of prioritizing personal political interests over the well-being and safety of New Yorkers.
“What New York City needs is a mayor who will not cosy up to President Trump and who will not put our communities in harm's way,” said Melanie Dominguez from the Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice.
In February, Gov. Hochul considered using her executive powers to remove Adams but ultimately chose alternative oversight measures, including proposing legislation to limit his authority and create additional checks on the mayor's office. Organizers have vowed to continue their campaign until they see concrete steps to protect immigrant communities and hold Mayor Adams accountable for what they perceive as a betrayal of the city's fundamental values.