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Mayor Eric Adams testified before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, defending New York City’s “sanctuary city” status while emphasizing his administration’s commitment to public safety and crime reduction.

Addressing lawmakers, Adams highlighted that while New York City protects undocumented immigrants, it does not shield violent criminals or violate federal immigration laws.

He noted that crime rates have dropped, with three consecutive months of double-digit declines in major offenses.

The mayor underscored the economic and social contributions of immigrants, particularly their role in essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also warned against policies that discourage undocumented residents from reporting crimes or seeking medical care, which could jeopardize public safety.

While Adams called for comprehensive immigration reform, he stressed that New York City has managed the ongoing migrant crisis despite federal and state legal constraints. He also pointed to the city’s cooperation with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other federal agencies, with over 330 NYPD officers assigned to joint task forces targeting gangs and child exploitation.

Closing his remarks, Adams reaffirmed his commitment to balancing humanitarian efforts with law enforcement, calling on federal leaders to enact long-overdue immigration reforms.