New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated he will continue to enforce sanctuary city laws, even with pressure from Homeland Security officials seeking more cooperation.
Here are five key points from the Mayor’s conversation with News 4’s Government affairs Reporter Melissa Russo at City Hall.
Mamdani Defends Calling the ICE shooting in Minneapolis “Murder”
Homeland Security officials criticized Mayor Mamdani’s social media post calling an ICE agent’s shooting of a woman in Minneapolis “murder.”
“I think it was appropriate. I think it’s factual,” Mamdani said, when asked if using the term was premature. “If anyone watches that video, they will reach the same conclusion, irrespective of how it’s being misrepresented by the federal management.”
Mamdani Would Use Similar Language in an NYPD Shooting
When asked if he would be more careful with his words if a similar incident occurred with the NYPD, Mayor mamdani said, “We always have to be honest about what we’re seeing.”
Mayor Says Relationship with Trump Remains Strong Despite Tensions
Mamdani described his relationship with President Donald Trump as “honest and productive,” despite criticism from Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem during a visit to New York City. Noem stated that “DHS communications have not been productive with the mayor’s office or with NYPD.”
Russo asked the mayor about Noem’s comments and if he had denied any requests.
“They haven’t asked me anything directly,” Mamdani said. “But I have instructed my entire city government to follow the law—not as a suggestion, but as a requirement. That means we do not allow ICE agents to enter New York City schools or city properties unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge.”
Mamdani: NYPD Will Uphold Sanctuary City Policies
Asked if other members of his administration had received or denied requests from DHS, Mayor Mamdani said he instructed his police department to hold firm.
“The conversations they have with the NYPD are their conversations. But I can tell you I’ve instructed my NYPD to strongly adhere to the sanctuary city policies, which hasn’t always been the case here in new York City,” Mamdani said, referencing his predecessor, Mayor Eric adams.Adams previously stated local laws should allow more collaboration with the federal government to deport criminals, but denied working with Trump to bypass them.
Mayor Calls Child Care Plan Rollout “Exciting”
mamdani spoke with NBC New York shortly after he and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the “2-Care” program, which will phase in free child care for New York city two-year-olds over four years.
“one of the most exciting things is that now that I’m in office, we can actually deliver,” he said.
Mamdani plans to start with 2,000 slots in year one in areas of high need, which he did not specify. “2-Care” will expand to 12,000 slots in year two and roughly 36,000 slots by year four. Hochul committed $1.7 billion per year for the first two years, but did not specify the funding source, stating it would not involve taxes on the wealthy.
Mamdani, who advocated for funding the plan with tax increases, told Russo the governor’s decision not to raise taxes will not affect the rollout of worldwide child care in New York.
