‘Egregious acts of violence’: why is Eric Adams cracking down on subway buskers and mango sellers?

The NYPD has dramatically increased low-level arrests, especially targeting those trying to make a living on the streets

First it was selling mangoes; now it's playing saxophones. Under Mayor Eric Adams, New York City police have dramatically stepped up arrests of solo entrepreneurs trying to scrape a living in the city's subways.

Last week police arrested John Ajilo, a beloved saxophonist who has been a fixture for more than five years in Herald Square, one of New York City's largest subway stations. The talented busker is known for playing tunes that read Dancing is Happiness" and surrounded by small robotic dancing cats, which often inspire passers by to start grooving as well.