New York City Mayor Eric Adams opened up about pressing issues affecting the city, from unexpected brush fires to crime rates and immigration policies.

“Good to see you all. Well, sort of,” he greeted attendees before diving into the agenda.

Adams expressed concern over the rise of brush fires in the city, an alarming issue he never thought would arise. “These fires, brush fires, never thought we’d be in the city talking about brush fires. But it just really goes to show you how this issue around droughts and the lack of rain and the environmental crisis that we’re facing now is real.”

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He highlighted the importance of community cooperation, urging New Yorkers to refrain from outdoor barbecuing and take precautions to prevent further fires.

“We’re calling on New Yorkers really not to do any barbecuing outside and do as much as possible to extinguish any fires.”

The mayor also emphasized the health risks posed by smoke from nearby New Jersey brush fires, particularly for those with respiratory issues. “Those who are dealing with respiratory issues, we’re saying, please stay indoors. Use a filter. Use air conditioning. Do everything that’s possible.”

He went on to stress the need for water conservation amid ongoing drought conditions, “We need rain. And we can’t get any clearer than that.”

On the public safety front, Adams was proud to report a decline in crime for ten consecutive months, attributing the success to the efforts of the NYPD. “Hats off to Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon and our entire team over there.” He noted that community concerns about safety often dominate discussions during his town hall meetings, stating, “Those are the issues that they talk about over and over again. They want to be safe. It’s a prerequisite to our prosperity.”

However, he also addressed the tragic reality of gun violence, referencing a recent incident where a seven-year-old girl was shot in Manhattan. “Nothing personifies that more than yesterday, up in uptown Manhattan, where a seven-year-old young girl was shot, getting caught in the crossfires of what potentially was a gang-involved shooting.” Adams reiterated his administration’s commitment to removing firearms from the streets, having already confiscated 19,000 guns.

Turning to education, Adams enthusiastically announced the expansion of New York Harbor School on Governor’s Island, which aims to prepare students for green jobs.

“We’re really excited about that,” he said, highlighting the significance of training future generations for sustainable careers. “Harbor School graduates will work on the wind turbines that will power 500,000 homes in our city.”

The press conference took a turn towards immigration policy as questions arose about the incoming Trump administration and its potential impact on New York City. When asked about the appointments of Tom Homan and Stephen Miller, Adams emphasized the need for a reformed immigration system. “The voters communicated loudly and clearly. We have a broken immigration system. It needs to be fixed.”

He expressed concerns over mass deportations, stating, “I’m not a supporter of mass deportation,” while advocating for a pathway to employment for migrants. “People should be allowed to work. Think about how ridiculous this is, paroling people into the country, then telling them, you cannot work from anywhere from six months to two years.”

When pressed on whether New York would assist ICE in targeting criminals, Adams clarified his position. “I do not support mass deportation. I want to be clear on that.” He reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting its immigrant population while addressing public safety. “I want people to continue to go to school. I want people to continue to use our hospital systems.”

In response to concerns about the city’s cooperation with ICE, he reiterated, “No city resources can be used to cooperate or collaborate with ICE.”

He acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions with the incoming administration to address the challenges posed by immigration policy.