New York City Mayor Mamdani criticizes ICE operations

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, stating they create a climate of fear and attempt to “criminalize the very fact of being an immigrant.” Speaking alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Mamdani argued that federal actions are causing terror among immigrants across the city and nation. Hochul noted that the state maintains a policy of cooperating with federal authorities in cases involving serious crimes.

These comments follow the conclusion of Operation Rotten Apple, a DHS initiative conducted between late July and late August that resulted in 2,197 arrests across New York State.

Separately, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani commented on a viral interaction with Mayor Mamdani during a 9/11 memorial ceremony. Giuliani stated that despite previous public opposition to Mamdani, the two shook hands and he told the Mayor, “I pray for you.” Giuliani noted that both men chose to avoid a confrontation that would have distracted from the victims of the terrorist attacks.