Democrats are coming to their senses very fast.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, made a significant announcement this week, revealing plans to close 25 migrant shelters in the coming months as the city experiences a notable decline in migrant arrivals. These shelters, located across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and even in upstate cities like Albany, Buffalo, and Poughkeepsie, were initially set up to accommodate the tens of thousands of migrants arriving in the city, many of whom were sent by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to relieve pressure on border states.
Since 2022, New York City has seen over 225,000 migrants enter, a surge linked directly to the crisis at the southern border. However, with a 22-week drop in migrant arrivals, Adams’ administration has taken a hawkish stance, closing down shelters as part of its strategy to manage the situation more effectively. According to the mayor, the decline in arrivals can be attributed to the Biden administration’s executive orders restricting asylum claims and a broader reduction in border apprehensions.
Adams also pointed to his city’s own management strategies, including intensive case management and a 30- to 60-day policy for migrants, as contributing to the drop in shelter demand. “We’re managing this crisis better than any other city in the nation,” Adams stated, emphasizing that many migrants come to the U.S. not to remain in shelters, but to pursue the American Dream. Over 170,000 migrants have already moved on from the shelter system thanks to these efforts.
While Adams’ actions may seem pragmatic, they represent a stark contrast to some other blue cities that have resisted similar measures. The mayor has been vocal about his willingness to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration, particularly in regard to deporting illegal immigrants with criminal convictions. “We need to secure our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens,” he said last week, signaling a shift toward more stringent enforcement on illegal immigration.
Public opinion in New York also appears to be shifting. A Siena College poll revealed that 54% of New Yorkers support the deportation of illegal immigrants, with even strong backing for President Trump’s deportation policies in New York City. This growing consensus signals a potential sea change in how both the state and city address illegal immigration in the future.
As Adams moves forward with these shelter closures and continues to streamline his city’s response to the migrant crisis, it’s clear that many are pushing for a more secure and orderly immigration system—one that prioritizes the safety of American citizens and the integrity of the nation’s borders.