New York, NY—Mayor Eric Adams is facing sharp criticism following controversial remarks that appeared to challenge the constitutional rights of immigrants. His comments, made during a public address on crime and public safety, have drawn condemnation from immigrant advocacy groups who say the statements are divisive and factually incorrect.
“I’m an American. Americans have certain rights. The Constitution is for Americans, and I’m not a person that snuck into this country,” Adams stated. “What rights I have, the person that decides to shoot the police officer, they should not have those same rights.”
In response, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) issued a scathing press release, accusing Mayor Adams of spreading disinformation and aligning with hardline anti-immigrant policies.
NYIC Responds: “A Page from Trump’s Playbook”
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the NYIC, led the charge in denouncing Adams’ remarks. “Mayor Adams is wrong. He is ripping a page from Trump’s playbook, stoking fear and spreading disinformation,” Awawdeh said in the press release. “We should be able to expect that the Mayor of New York City has a basic understanding of the Constitutional rights of the people he serves.”
The press release also highlighted Adams’ reported association with Tom Homan, the incoming “border czar” and former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known for his aggressive stance on deportations. Awawdeh warned that the mayor’s rhetoric mirrors the anti-immigrant sentiment seen in the Trump administration.
“Rather than scheming with dangerous people like Homan about how to attack and marginalize immigrant New Yorkers, the Mayor should be working to unite and protect our city from extremist deportation plans,” Awawdeh added.
Immigrants’ Rights Under the Constitution
Legal experts and advocates emphasized that the U.S. Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all individuals residing in the country, regardless of immigration status. These rights include due process, access to legal counsel, protection against unreasonable searches, and the right to education.
The NYIC’s press release underscored the importance of due process, noting that Adams’ comments undermine core constitutional protections. “Simply for his own self-interest, you would think Mayor Adams would be the biggest proponent of due process,” Awawdeh said. “He should apologize for his patently inaccurate statement and make clear exactly how he will ensure every New Yorker maintains their constitutional rights.”
Calls for Apology and Clarification
The NYIC, an organization that represents more than 200 immigrant and refugee advocacy groups, is demanding that Adams retract his statement and issue a public apology.
Founded in 1987, the NYIC has long been a powerful voice for immigrant rights, advocating for policies that promote inclusion, protect access to services, and expand civic participation. In their press release, the coalition made it clear that Adams’ comments are not only inaccurate but harmful to the city’s diverse immigrant communities.
As pressure mounts, the mayor has yet to respond publicly to the NYIC’s demand for an apology. The controversy continues to stir debate over constitutional rights, public safety, and the obligations of city leaders to uphold the rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
(Used with permission)
