Adams walked a political tightrope on sanctuary city laws – not defending the city policy or speaking out against it – during brief comments to reporters before the hearing.

“That is the law,” he said, when pressed on whether there’s any room to move on sanctuary laws.

“But I also want to share with the congressional leadership here how we collaborate every day with our federal partners at going after those who are dangerous in our city. And that is who I’ve always been.”

The mayor is testifying alongside Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Kentucky) introduced Adams, calling him “outstanding” but did not offer such pleasantries to his counterparts in Chicago, Denver or Boston.

Adams has signaled a willingness to help with President Trump’ immigration crackdown – an openness that many Democrats and critics argued is tied to an allegedly improper “quid pro quo” to have the Department of Justice drop his corruption case.

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He opened his remarks trying to walk a fine line.

“I’m here today to testify on how New York City people seem to reduce crime, even as a sanctuary city,” Adams said in his opening statement.

He opened his remarks trying to walk a fine line.

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