Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York: I think the ICE raids are cruel and inhumane

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly condemned the immigration enforcement operations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling them “cruel” and “inhuman.” During a press conference held during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, Mamdani expressed his opposition to ICE’s tactics, stating they serve neither public safety nor the well-being of residents. He emphasized that such actions undermine the city’s commitment to protecting all individuals, regardless of their legal status or country of origin. The mayor made his remarks directly to President Donald Trump, asserting that his stance aligns with the sentiments of many New Yorkers. “I have shared this directly with the president and I have shared it publicly,” he said. “It is a feeling that many New Yorkers share.” According to Mamdani, the city seeks to safeguard its residents through policies that prioritize dignity and fairness, rather than punitive measures. In addition to criticizing ICE’s methods, Mamdani reiterated that New York City does not cooperate with the agency. In an interview with Telemundo News on July 22, he stated that the city will not collaborate in the enforcement of civil immigration laws. “We will never collaborate in the application of civil immigration laws,” he said. The mayor explained that federal agents must obtain a court order before entering city property, reinforcing the city's autonomy in matters of law enforcement. Mamdani further pledged to protect New Yorkers from immigration raids, promising to take all necessary steps to ensure their security. His comments reflect a broader policy of supporting sanctuary city principles, which emphasize the protection of undocumented immigrants from deportation. “We are proud to be a sanctuary city,” he said. “We have seen a type of immigration control that goes far beyond what most New Yorkers want to see.” During the same press conference, Mamdani proposed the complete abolition of ICE as an operational entity. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the immigration system, one that would replace punitive approaches with more humane practices. “I believe that ICE as an entity should be abolished,” he stated. “We should return to a system of immigration that has more humanity at its core.” Mamdani argued that the current approach fails to recognize the contributions of immigrants to American society. He highlighted the economic and cultural value of immigrant communities, urging policymakers to adopt a framework that respects the dignity of all individuals. His remarks underscore a growing movement among local leaders to challenge federal immigration policies and advocate for alternatives grounded in compassion and inclusion. As tensions around immigration continue to shape political discourse, Mamdani’s statements represent a clear position against aggressive enforcement strategies. His call for systemic change reflects both personal conviction and a response to community concerns. With ongoing debates over immigration reform, the mayor’s stance could influence future legislative efforts and local policies aimed at balancing security with humanitarian values.