New York City Struggles with 220,000 Illegal Immigrants Amid Federal Inaction

On November 6, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the crisis of illegal immigration in the city, reporting that New York now accommodates 220,000 illegal immigrants. The mayor expressed concern about the lack of support from the federal government, labeling the situation a federal issue that demands urgent attention. He estimated that the cost of providing food and housing for these individuals over three years would reach $10 billion, a significant financial burden for the city. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has allocated $2.4 billion for this year to help address the situation. While Adams has intended to communicate with President-elect Donald Trump regarding potential solutions, he acknowledged that the president-elect is likely busy with other calls. Mayor Adams has been critical of the Biden administration’s handling of immigration and has initiated plans for a statewide strategy to involve other counties in supporting the influx of immigrants. However, he has indicated that, regardless of the presidential administration, New York will maintain its sanctuary city laws, which generally limit police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. City officials stress that the greatest challenge facing immigrants is fear and misinformation, and they remain committed to providing assistance while upholding these protections.