Mamdani Calls ICE Actions ‘Cruel and Inhumane’ and Defends New York’s Sanctuary Status

The mayor’s comments deepen city resistance to federal immigration enforcement as state limits on local cooperation with ICE head toward likely court challenges.

Overview

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Thursday that he views U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions as “cruel and inhumane,” repeating his public criticism of federal enforcement tactics.
He framed New York’s sanctuary-city policies as a public-safety measure and an expression of the city’s immigrant identity, noting he is an immigrant himself.
Mamdani accused ICE of operating with impunity in the five boroughs and said its tactics do not advance public safety.
He confirmed he has privately spoken with President Donald Trump about immigration and has helped secure a detainee’s release but declined to discuss the frequency or details of those conversations.
The remarks come after the state Legislature approved, on May 21, budget measures that limit local cooperation with ICE and add new oversight and private legal remedies, moves that are expected to prompt federal pushback and court challenges.