NEW YORK (PIX11) -- As protests against ICE are taking place not only in New York City but across the United States, Mayor Eric Adams sat down with PIX11's John Muller to discuss the current situation and whether local law enforcement would cooperate with ICE.
Adams recognized that New Yorkers might feel uncertain, but he encouraged residents to keep working and send their children to school.
"I will continue to tell New Yorkers what I've stated. Allow your children to go to school. Make sure that you call the police if you're a victim of a crime. We're not turning you over to ICE if that takes place. Go to your jobs, houses of worship, and the hospital. We've been clear on that. I think that those who have sent the opposite message should tone that down, and you will also tone down the fear that people are experiencing."
Adams continued, stating that New York City will not collaborate with ICE for any form of civil enforcement. "When it comes to collaborating, dealing with violence, or those who participate in any violent acts, we are going to do that. We're not going to collaborate for any form of civil enforcement. We're going to live up to that. That's the law. We're going to follow the law of the land."
Finally, Adams addressed the possibility of the National Guard being deployed to New York due to escalating protests. He communicated with Governor Kathy Hochul, assuring her that New York can manage any local paramilitary actions.
"We have over 30,000 men and women in the law enforcement community. We understand how to handle large gatherings and protests. If we have to escalate, we can escalate and get our former colleagues, our colleagues in other municipalities. And if need be, we will communicate with the governor on what other level of escalation of support we need."
English (US) ·