Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has criticized city and state officials for what he described as a neglect of traditional immigrant communities in New York City. Speaking in the Bronx, Blakeman asserted that groups such as Italian, Irish, Polish, Jewish, and German immigrants, who he believes built the city, are being "left behind" by current city and state administrations.
His remarks came in response to a controversial immigrant enclave map released by Mayor Eric Adams' administration over the summer. The map, intended to highlight the city's diverse immigrant communities, notably omitted the two Little Italy neighborhoods. Blakeman contended that this oversight disrespects the contributions of these established immigrant groups.
"They get no respect," Blakeman stated, referencing the omission of Little Italy from the city's immigrant enclave map. "I do think there is an attack on the immigrants that built this county, that built this state and built this city. I think they’re being left behind by this current administration here in New York City and the governor. They don’t recognize the achievements that those immigrants made."
The immigrant enclave map, which identified 30 immigrant communities across the five boroughs, drew criticism from various groups, including the City Council Italian Caucus, which described it as "incomplete at best and insulting at worst." Mayor Adams' administration acknowledged the error and stated that revisions would be made to include areas like Little Italy.
Blakeman also addressed the ongoing debate surrounding historical figures, referencing a past tweet by Mayor Adams that appeared to show him flipping off a statue of Christopher Columbus. Blakeman vowed that if elected governor, such actions would not occur under his administration. "I’ll say one thing, when I’m governor there will be no taking down of Christopher Columbus statues," Blakeman said. "That won’t happen."
The Nassau County executive's comments align with a broader political discourse regarding the recognition and preservation of historical immigrant heritage within New York City.