New York City Mayor Says He Has to Go to Italy to Solve Migrant Problem

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced this week that he's traveling to Italy in hopes of solving the migrant problem in his own city.

"I'm traveling to Rome because the solutions to the problems facing our city, country and planet must be solved together—by sharing ideas and strategies," Adams wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "We will be talking infrastructure, climate change, the asylum seeker crisis and so much more."

Adams also shared a video in the post where he is seen speaking about his trip to Italy and plans to meet with Pope Francis.

"Headed to Italy, part of an overall finding our common grounds, how we deal with migrants, asylum seekers," Adams said in the video. "How we deal with affordable housing, our economy, sustainability. Just some important issues and the most significant moment for me is the opportunity to meet our holy father, the Pope, his holiness. And this is the start of a journey."

The comments by Adams about migrants come as New York City has seen thousands of migrants traveling to the city in hope of asylum after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Since last spring, the city has taken in more than 175,000 migrants. Immigration remains a major political issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election, amid heightened levels of migrant border crossings.

U.S. President Joe Biden has faced repeated criticism for his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and influx of migrants crossing illegally.

Last month, Adams called the migrant problem in the city "one of the largest humanitarian crises this city has ever experienced."

"I don't think it has really resonated with all of us in this city," he said. "It will impact every service in this city. Why isn't every elected official in Washington, D.C. asking the national government, 'Why are you doing this to New York?' The national government has turned its back on New York City."

Adams continued, "We're here today telling the White House we have been extremely patient; we've allowed the coordination of all of our agencies to come together to deal with this response...This is in the lap of the president of the United States...This is in the lap of the executive branch, and that's what we're calling for."

In another post on X, Adams said that he had landed in Italy and traveled to see the Coliseum. During his time in Italy, Adams is expected to attend the World Meeting on Human Fraternity, in the Vatican City.

Newsweek reached out to Adams's press office via email for comment.