Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has reaffirmed his campaign commitment that the New York City Police Department (NYPD) will not assist with immigration enforcement operations under his leadership, a stance that has drawn both support and criticism within the city. His remarks came in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s announcement by border czar Tom Homan that federal officials would be ramping up immigration enforcement efforts in New York City, following months of speculation about increased activity along the southern border. Mamdani’s declaration has underscored the growing tension between local and federal authorities in matters of immigration policy, as New York City grapples with the challenges of balancing public safety with the rights of undocumented immigrants.
The mayor-elect’s position aligns with his broader critique of the previous administration under Mayor Eric Adams, whom he has accused of enabling federal immigration enforcement through NYPD cooperation. During an interview with PIX11 News, Mamdani stated, ‘We can never go back to the days where Eric Adams would go on national television and open the door to the NYPD handling civil immigration enforcement. That can never even be entertained.’ He emphasized that his administration would prioritize public safety over assisting ICE in what he describes as the federal government’s ‘largest deportation force in American history.’
Mamdani’s assertion about the NYPD’s role has come amid heightened scrutiny over the department’s past actions, particularly after the unearthing of a controversial video that exposed internal NYPD practices. The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, prompted Mamdani to address the issue directly, reaffirming his commitment to a policing model that prioritizes community welfare over federal cooperation. This stance is further complicated by the fact that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a staunch advocate for civil immigration enforcement, is set to remain in her role despite her public disagreements with Mamdani. Their diverging visions for the NYPD, including Mamdani’s plan to dismantle the Strategic Response Group, have raised questions about how they will navigate their shared responsibilities.
Under the Adams administration, the NYPD was permitted to assist with criminal immigration enforcement operations, though not with civil immigration procedures. This distinction has now become a focal point of the debate, as Mamdani has made it clear that the NYPD will not be involved in any aspect of federal immigration enforcement. His comments are part of a larger effort to restructure the NYPD in line with the priorities of his administration, which emphasizes community engagement and the expansion of social services to address the root causes of crime and instability.
Despite these ideological differences, Mamdani has expressed a willingness to work with Tisch, citing shared goals in ensuring that the NYPD does not serve as an enforcer for a fractured social safety net. However, there are still unresolved tensions over issues such as police headcount and the restructuring of the department’s response units. Mamdani has made it clear that his final decisions will be binding, signaling his intent to maintain control over the NYPD’s future direction. This dynamic is likely to shape the next chapter of New York City’s policing strategy and its relationship with federal immigration policies.