|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Speaker Johnson Hints DOJ Targeted Eric Adams Over Migrant Crisis Criticism: ‘He’s Pushed Back Against Biden’s Policies’
Edited by: Fern Sidman
House Speaker Mike Johnson raised a significant point Thursday by suggesting that New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ vocal criticism of the White House’s border and immigration policies could be a factor in making him a target for federal scrutiny. This statement, reported by The New York Post, brings attention to the ongoing tensions between state and local leaders over how to address the ongoing migrant crisis, a divisive issue that has only intensified as New York City grapples with a ballooning population of newly arrived migrants.
Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, was campaigning for GOP congressional candidate Alison Esposito in upstate New York when he was asked how a potential Department of Justice (DOJ) under Donald Trump’s leadership might impact the federal corruption case against Adams. “I’m not an expert on their criminal travails, what’s being alleged,” Johnson stated, adding that Adams has been relatively supportive of former President Trump in specific contexts, despite their political differences, The Post report said. Johnson emphasized that Adams “has had enough of this open border, illegal alien invasion of New York City,” positioning Adams as one of the few Democratic leaders to openly criticize the Biden administration’s handling of immigration, according to the report in The New York Post.
In recent months, Mayor Adams has been vocal about his frustration with the White House’s immigration policies, expressing that the strain on New York City has become unsustainable. The city has reportedly spent more than $5 billion on services, shelter, and other resources to accommodate the influx of migrants, an expenditure that Adams argues is exacerbated by a lack of federal support. As The New York Post report detailed, the mayor attributed this financial burden to the federal government’s “broken immigration policies.” His strong stance and pointed critiques have led Adams to suggest that his outspoken opposition may have played a role in the federal charges now facing him.
“I have been fighting injustice my entire life,” Adams stated in September, as quoted by The New York Post. He asserted that he prioritized the welfare of New Yorkers over party loyalty, taking what he described as an impartial stand when “the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief.” According to Adams, his decision to advocate for his city may have put him in the DOJ’s crosshairs.
The allegations against Adams include accusations of accepting $123,000 in bribes from Turkish nationals in the form of complimentary flights and other benefits, with the expectation of favors in return. Adams has vehemently denied the charges, pleading not guilty and insisting that the timing of the investigation is suspicious. The Post report indicated that the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office recently unsealed an indictment that brought these charges to light, further intensifying scrutiny on both Adams and the ongoing debate over immigration policy and federal responsibility.
The migrant crisis remains a central issue in the 2024 presidential race, which pits former President Donald Trump against current Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s handling of immigration, and Adams’ stance on the issue aligns with several GOP talking points, further complicating his position within the Democratic Party, The Post report noted. Johnson’s remarks on Adams’ criticism reflect a broader frustration within the Republican Party over how federal and state leaders manage border policies and the subsequent effects on American cities, particularly those as densely populated as New York City.
Johnson’s remarks on Adams also come as he campaigns across New York in support of Republican candidates vying for seats in Congress. The races in New York’s Hudson Valley are among the most fiercely contested in the upcoming election and are part of a wider battle for control of the House of Representatives. The Post report indicated that Johnson, accompanied by Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, was rallying support for Esposito in her bid against Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan in New York’s 18th Congressional District, while Lawler faces a tough challenge from Democrat Mondaire Jones in the 17th District.
The significance of these races goes beyond New York state, as seven seats in the Empire State could determine which party ultimately controls the House of Representatives. According to The New York Post, these key districts have seen heavy campaigning efforts from both parties as Election Day approaches, with immigration policy and its impact on local communities a prominent issue in these contests.
Johnson’s comments also hint at the growing ideological divides in American politics, where figures such as Adams find themselves caught between their party’s national platform and the realities of local governance. As the migrant crisis continues to strain New York City’s resources, Adams’ future—and the federal corruption charges he now faces—will likely remain intertwined with the complex and polarizing discussions around immigration reform and federal accountability.
