A federal judge is deliberating on the dismissal of a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams following a request from the Justice Department. Judge Dale Ho, overseeing the case, stated he needs time to consider the facts before making a decision. The charges against Adams involve allegations of soliciting illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from foreign nationals and businessmen. Adams has pleaded not guilty.

Following a meeting between Mayor Adams and President Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, to discuss strategies for addressing violent migrant gangs in New York, several Justice Department officials resigned. These resignations stemmed from the Justice Department's move to drop the charges against Adams, coupled with the timing of the mayor's meeting with Homan. Officials allege this exchange constitutes a "quid pro quo," with Adams offering support for the Trump administration's immigration policies in return for the dismissal of the charges. Adams vehemently denies these accusations, asserting he never offered any such trade.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove III issued a memo directing federal prosecutors to drop the charges, citing the timing of the proceedings as interfering with Adams' upcoming mayoral campaign. Bove also argued that the case was distracting from addressing illegal immigration and violent crime, issues he links to the Biden administration's prior policies. This memo further fueled the resignations, with officials like Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon claiming Adams' actions constituted an "improper offer of immigration enforcement assistance in exchange for a dismissal." Bove countered that the case was "tainted from the start" and that prioritizing national security necessitates its dismissal. He expressed his commitment to collaborating with new leadership at the Southern District of New York to implement President Trump's safety agenda.