Additional Coverage:
- Zohran Mamdani brands ICE ‘cruel’ and ‘inhumane’ as surge of agents heading to New York (themirror.com)
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a warning from former Trump administration border official Tom Homan, who threatened a surge of ICE agents in the city.
Speaking to reporters Monday morning, Mamdani condemned ICE raids as “cruel” and “inhumane,” emphasizing that they do not enhance public safety. He noted that he has expressed these concerns directly to former President Donald Trump in prior meetings and that many New Yorkers share this perspective.
“I believe ICE as an entity should be abolished,” Mamdani declared, advocating for an immigration system grounded in greater humanity.
The mayor’s remarks quickly sparked backlash from Republican leaders, including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. In a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity, Mullin defended ICE’s role, asserting that the agency enforces laws passed by Congress and criticized Mamdani for what he described as undermining New York City’s safety.
“If Mayor Mamdani wants open borders and to allow criminals to run their streets, his constituents don’t want that,” Mullin stated.
However, Mamdani’s electoral success and polling data suggest strong support for his pro-immigration stance among New Yorkers. Ahead of the November 2025 general election, a Patriot Polling survey showed Mamdani poised to win 62% of the foreign-born vote. Additionally, a Marist Poll conducted after his first 100 days in office revealed a net positive approval rating of 18 points, with 48% of respondents approving of his performance.
Mamdani has continued to champion immigrant rights, recently criticizing conditions at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, which has been the focus of recent protests.
The mayor’s call to abolish ICE comes shortly after Tom Homan, former ICE acting director under Trump, announced plans during a Fox News appearance to increase ICE presence in New York City. Homan indicated that an operational plan is in place, though he did not specify when the surge would occur. He also said he had warned New York Governor Kathy Hochul prior to her signing of legislation last month that restricted ICE activities, including a ban on masked agents in the state.
As the debate over immigration enforcement intensifies in New York, Mayor Mamdani’s stance underscores the ongoing tension between local officials advocating for immigrant protections and federal authorities emphasizing law enforcement.