NYC council moderates ‘thrilled’ at Homan visit, pledging to help border czar fight ‘progressive monopoly’

Members of the New York City Council, known for its overwhelmingly progressive stance, recently had a meeting with President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan. This meeting took place on the same day that Homan also met with Mayor Eric Adams, showcasing a bipartisan effort within the council.

Led by Councilmembers Bob Holden and Joann Ariola, the bipartisan “Common Sense Caucus” came together to discuss the growing concerns around migrant shelters being planned for outer boroughs of the city. Homan, a native of New York State, expressed his commitment to acting swiftly upon learning about the development of another migrant shelter in the city.

During the meeting, Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato shared that Homan was particularly outraged upon hearing about a 2,200-bed shelter being planned in the Bronx by Adams’ Office of Asylum-Seeker Operations. This shelter is set to be located in a low-income area off the Bruckner Expressway in Mott Haven, sparking concerns among council members.

Councilman Bob Holden, known for his moderate approach, emphasized the importance of public safety in the face of sanctuary laws. He expressed confidence in Homan’s ability to enforce federal laws and ensure the safety of communities in the city.

Meanwhile, Mayor Adams also met with Homan to discuss the crisis at hand. While Adams acknowledged the severity of the situation, he was urged to take concrete actions rather than just words. This led to Adams announcing executive action to reopen an ICE facility on Rikers Island to address gang proliferation issues.

Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican immigrant from Ukraine, highlighted the importance of legal immigration and criticized the failures of the Biden administration. She emphasized the need for strong leadership in immigration and border enforcement.

Other council members, including Ariola and Carr, echoed the call for change and emphasized the need to prioritize public safety in the city. Despite the progressive majority on the council, members like Paladino pledged to work with the Trump administration to address the crisis at hand.

While most council members participated in the meeting with Homan, Councilwoman Susan Zhuang, who is an immigrant herself, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between criminals and hard-working families. She urged for a targeted approach towards law enforcement while protecting immigrant communities.

Overall, the meeting with Homan brought to light the complex issues surrounding immigration and public safety in New York City. The bipartisan effort within the council reflects a shared commitment to addressing these challenges effectively.