Mamdani Says His New York Won’t Help ICE
New York City’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is preparing to reshape the city’s posture toward federal immigration authorities, insisting that once he steps into office, the NYPD will not be part of civil immigration actions.
In an interview with PIX 11, Mamdani explained that he has already begun policy discussions with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who has agreed to remain at the helm of the NYPD. He emphasized his opposition to any return to the approach taken under the current administration. “Well, what I’ve shared with the commissioner and I’ve also shared publicly is the fact that we can never go back to the days where [Mayor] Eric Adams would go on national television and open the door to the NYPD handling civil immigration enforcement,” Mamdani said. “That can never even be entertained.”
Mamdani posted on X on Wednesday that he expects to build a strong relationship with Tisch once he enters office. “I look forward to working with Commissioner Jessica Tisch to deliver genuine public safety in New York City,” he said. “Together, we will deliver a city where rank-and-file police officers and the communities they serve alike are safe, represented, and proud to call New York their home.”
While speaking with PIX 11, he described hearing deeply emotional stories from residents who fear ICE operations. “The other day, I was speaking with a New Yorker who broke into tears as she told me about her aunt who had been visited by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] at their home.”
He stressed that under his leadership, the NYPD’s mission will be singular and focused. “People are living in fear,” he said. “And what we will ensure is the NYPD will be delivering public safety, not assisting ICE in their attempts to fulfill the administration’s goal of creating the single largest deportation force in American history.”
Asked how he expects Commissioner Tisch to respond if she receives advance warning of federal immigration operations, Mamdani stated plainly: “I want her to ensure that no officers are assisting with the actions of ICE.”
Mamdani added that he plans to make it unmistakably clear to President Donald Trump’s administration where New York City stands on this issue. “This city is also an immigrant city. It’s a city that’s proud of its immigrants’ heritage,” he said. “It’s proud of the fact that so many from across the world find their home in this city. And we will protect those New Yorkers as we protect every New Yorker.”
Mamdani will take office on January 1, inheriting a city where conservative critics argue that his broader platform—ranging from government-run food stores to expanded rent regulation and universal child care—could prompt both families and companies to pack up and leave.
{Matzav.com}
