New York City Mayor Eric Adams, known for his progressive credentials, is making waves by shifting his stance on how to handle migrants charged with crimes.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Adams expressed openness to deporting criminal migrants before they’ve been convicted—marking a notable departure from his previous position, as reported by The New York Post.

“People who commit crimes in our city have abdicated your right to be in our city,” Adams declared. “I don’t want that guy in my city, plain and simple,” he said, specifically referencing Bernardo Castro Mata, a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant accused of shooting two NYPD officers.

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Adams criticized those who have hesitated to enforce deportations, taking aim at progressive “cancel culture” attitudes. “Cancel me, because I’m going to protect the people of this city,” he quipped, signaling a readiness to take bold steps, even if it ruffles feathers on the left.

This tougher stance comes as the city grapples with surging crime and an overwhelming migrant influx. More than 200,000 migrants have arrived in New York City in recent years, straining resources and leading to $6.4 billion in expenditures on services like housing and food.

HOLY SH*T!

NYC Mayor Eric Adams just dared the left to “cancel” him over working with Border Czar Tom Homan and Trump.

“Cancel me because I’m going to protect the people of this city.”

He says illegals are “committing crimes, robberies, sh*oting at police, r*ping innocent… pic.twitter.com/ByIw0FZuut

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 3, 2024

Despite his firm tone, Adams emphasized that his approach targets those committing violent crimes, not law-abiding migrants. “These are people who love our country and they’re participating in our country,” he said of Dreamers and long-time undocumented residents.

Adams also signaled his willingness to work with President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, including former ICE director Tom Homan, now poised to serve as Trump’s “border czar.”

“The American people heard it and voted for it,” Adams said, referring to Trump’s promises to secure the southern border. Rather than opposing Trump’s agenda, Adams expressed a desire for cooperation, stating, “I’d like to speak with our border czar and find out what his plans are. Where our common grounds are, we can work together.”

Homan has made it clear that sanctuary cities like New York won’t stop federal enforcement. “We’re going to do the job with you or without you,” Homan told Fox & Friends, adding that federal agents would ramp up operations in non-cooperative jurisdictions.

Adams, a former NYPD captain, has walked a fine line on immigration issues throughout his tenure. While advocating for compassionate policies toward migrants, he has also called for revising sanctuary city laws to allow collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in cases involving serious crimes.

When challenged about his own legal troubles—a reporter pointed out that Adams faces charges—he firmly differentiated himself from migrants charged with crimes. “First of all, I’m an American,” Adams stated, highlighting that constitutional protections are for citizens.

As Adams continues to navigate the delicate balance between compassion and law enforcement, his latest comments suggest he’s ready to prioritize the safety of New Yorkers—even if it means defying progressive orthodoxy.