New York Mayor Mamdani Calls ICE Raids 'Cruel and Inhumane,' Proposes Abolition

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticized the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling its raids as "cruel" and "inhumane." In a press conference, Mamdani asserted that these operations do not contribute to public safety and directly challenged the effectiveness of ICE's surveillance tactics.

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I want to be very clear about the fact that I believe ICE raids are cruel, they are inhumane, they do nothing to serve the interest of public safety.

Mamdani conveyed his sentiments directly to former President Donald Trump and publicly, noting that many New Yorkers share his views. He emphasized the city's commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of their origin or legal status. "I want to be very clear about the fact that I believe ICE raids are cruel, they are inhumane, they do nothing to serve the interest of public safety," the mayor stated.

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I have shared that directly with the president and I have shared it in public; it is a sentiment that many New Yorkers share.

In an interview, Mamdani confirmed that New York City will not collaborate with ICE on civil immigration enforcement. He clarified that federal agents require a signed judicial order to enter New York City property. The mayor pledged to "do everything possible" to shield New Yorkers from immigration enforcement actions, proudly affirming the city's status as a sanctuary city. He expressed that current immigration control measures exceed what most New Yorkers desire.

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We will never cooperate in the enforcement of civil immigration laws.

Furthermore, Mamdani advocated for the complete abolition of ICE. He envisions a comprehensive reform that replaces punitive approaches with a system prioritizing human dignity. "I believe that ICE as an entity is one that should be abolished and that we should return to an immigration system that has more humanity in its heart," Mamdani said. He argued for an administrative framework that values the cultural and economic contributions of immigrants.

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We are proud to be a sanctuary city. We have seen a type of immigration control measures that go far beyond what most New Yorkers want to see.