New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is making waves with his call for immigrants to “stand up to ICE.” His statement comes amid recent federal immigration raids in Manhattan, raising the stakes in a contentious national dialogue about immigration enforcement. As the Biden administration continues its policy of immigration enforcement, Mamdani’s stance firmly positions New York against potential federal crackdowns, especially with Donald Trump hinting at a more aggressive approach should he regain office.
In an online video, Mamdani reached out to immigrant communities, encouraging them to know their rights. He said, “We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights.” He provided key details on what undocumented individuals can do if approached by federal agents, emphasizing the right to remain silent and to refuse entry without a warrant. “ICE is legally allowed to lie to you,” he added, stating that individuals must assert their rights during interactions.
This appeal came just as reports emerged of ICE operations in areas like Manhattan’s Chinatown, which triggered local protests against the raids. Mamdani, who will officially take office on January 1 after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, is using this situation as a platform to advocate for a sanctuary city that protects immigrants from federal enforcement. His assertion that “New York will always welcome immigrants” reinforces his commitment to support these communities.
However, not everyone shares Mamdani’s view. The Trump campaign’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, responded sharply, remarking, “There’s a lot of TALK from Democrat politicians in New York. President Trump will remove illegal aliens in EVERY state.” This reflects the hardening attitude among Trump-aligned figures who perceive local opposition as mere political gestures that threaten the enforcement of federal law. Trump has made it clear he intends to create “the single largest deportation force in American history” if returned to power.
In raising the stakes, Mamdani directed a challenge to Trump when he said, “If you want to pursue your promise to create the single largest deportation force… then you will have to get through me.” This type of rhetoric has drawn skepticism from law enforcement veterans such as retired ICE agent Scott Mechkowski. He dismissed Mamdani’s messaging as political maneuvering and underscored that “No city official can stop federal agents from doing their job.”
This situation isn’t merely theoretical. Federal immigration enforcement remains steadfast, as ICE continues to conduct raids despite city sanctuary policies. Data from a 2020 report indicated that 90% of those targeted by ICE detainers had prior criminal convictions. While federal priorities may shift with different administrations, enforcement remains a concrete aspect of immigration policy.
Local resistance efforts, like those advanced by Mamdani, raise questions about their effectiveness. Cities like New York can direct local law enforcement not to cooperate with ICE and decline federal detainer requests, but they cannot completely impede ICE’s operations under federal law. Essentially, while Mamdani may offer education and support to the immigrant community, he cannot prevent lawful arrests by federal agents carrying valid removal orders.
The ramifications of sanctuary policies are complex. In various cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, these approaches have led to lengthy legal disputes. Some studies indicate that such policies might enhance relations between communities and law enforcement by alleviating fears of reporting crimes. Yet, contrasting data from a Department of Homeland Security report in 2019 pointed out that sanctuary policies allowed the release of over 8,000 individuals with criminal backgrounds who might otherwise have faced deportation—a statistic that Trump advocates often highlight.
This political friction coincides with a broader public concern regarding immigration. A recent Gallup poll notes that the percentage of Americans declaring immigration the foremost issue has risen to 28%, a peak not seen in two decades. Among Republicans, support for stringent border enforcement and policies like those under the 287(g) program—allowing local police to collaborate with ICE—has also grown.
Mamdani’s statements seek to solidify New York’s reputation as a sanctuary city, yet they also invite a direct confrontation with Trump’s potential federal strategy on immigration. While local protests and videos may generate enthusiasm in urban areas, the stark reality is that they are unlikely to halt federal enforcement.
Mechkowski articulated concerns regarding misunderstandings and misinformation, claiming, “When local politicians start interfering with enforcement… it makes federal jobs harder and communities less safe.” As Mamdani gears up for his role starting in January, he must navigate not only city governance and social inequalities but also the widening gap between state and federal powers in immigration matters. His promise to protect undocumented residents faces substantial challenges, especially if Trump resumes power with a broad enforcement agenda.
In the end, as Mamdani braces for a fight with his assertive messaging, the tools available to him may be restricted. Federal law grants ICE the independence to act, unbound by local restrictions. Thus, the crucial question will likely dwell not in the hands of New York City, but rather in Washington—the results of the approaching 2024 election will shape the future of immigration enforcement and policy dynamics.
"*" indicates required fields
