NEW YORK — New York City’s mayor nixed a planned Sunday trip to the U.S.-Mexico border over security concerns.
Mayor Eric Adams was slated to depart Saturday night to visit Brownsville and McAllen, Texas. The Democrat was expected to meet with U.S. immigration leaders as his city struggles to house new migrants seeking asylum.
But Adams spokesperson Amaris Cockfield said Sunday that the U.S. State Department flagged safety concerns at one of the mayor’s planned stops in Mexico, prompting his office to postpone the trip.
Adams had been invited to the southern border by Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande, she said.
“As Lent draws to a close, our team was excited to stand with faith and humanitarian leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving the most needy among us and we were eager to discuss our work in New York City and explore new ways to collaborate with leaders in cities across the country,” Cockfield said in an emailed statement. “We hope to continue our partnership with these nationally-recognized Latino leaders and organizations as we look for concrete solutions to resolve the crisis at the border.”
In a visit to El Paso, Texas in January, Adams offered up a blistering criticism of the federal government’s response to the increase of immigrants into U.S. cities far from the border.
The former New York Police Department officer also took a four-day tour through Latin America in October in which he made stops in Mexico, Ecuador and Colombia and implored people to stop making the dangerous journey to the U.S.
More than 180,000 migrants have come to New York City since the spring of 2022, according to the mayor’s office. More than 64,000 are in the city’s care through its more than 200 emergency shelter sites.
Last week, city officials and human rights advocates reached an agreement on Adams’ bid to suspend the city’s “ right to shelter ” policy.
The agreement essentially ends the city’s blanket requirement to provide shelter for adult immigrants without any time limits. Now, officials can decide whether to allow a migrant to stay in a shelter beyond 30 days on a case-by-case basis.
Additional time will be granted if a person shows “significant efforts to resettle,” which can include making an appointment with an immigration lawyer, applying for a resettlement program or proof that they’re searching for housing.
New York City Mayor Cancels Border Trip Due to Safety Concerns in Mexico
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently made the decision to cancel his planned trip to the US-Mexico border due to safety concerns in Mexico. The trip, which was scheduled for later this month, was intended to show support for immigrants and asylum seekers at the border.
However, after consulting with security experts and receiving intelligence reports on the current situation in Mexico, Mayor de Blasio decided that it would be too risky to travel to the border at this time. The decision was not taken lightly, as the mayor has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights and has made several trips to the border in the past.
The safety concerns in Mexico are not unfounded. The country has been plagued by violence and instability in recent years, with drug cartels and organized crime groups operating with impunity in many areas. This has led to a high level of violence and crime, making it dangerous for both locals and visitors.
In light of these concerns, Mayor de Blasio felt that it would be irresponsible to put himself and his team at risk by traveling to the border. He stated that while he is disappointed to have to cancel the trip, the safety of himself and his staff must come first.
Despite the cancellation of the trip, Mayor de Blasio remains committed to supporting immigrants and asylum seekers. He has pledged to continue working on policies and initiatives that will help protect and support these vulnerable populations.
The decision to cancel the border trip highlights the complex and challenging nature of immigration issues in the United States. While it is important to show support for immigrants and asylum seekers, it is equally important to prioritize safety and security when planning such trips.
In the meantime, Mayor de Blasio will continue to advocate for immigrant rights from New York City, where he can work to make a difference without putting himself at unnecessary risk. His decision to cancel the border trip serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing activism with safety in today’s volatile world.
