NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Defends AIPAC Critique Amid Antisemitism Accusations and Calls to Abolish ICE

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced intense backlash after describing the pro‑Israel lobbying group AIPAC as a “monster” that moves “dark money.” At a City Hall press conference he said his criticism was aimed at the organization’s political influence, not at Jewish people, adding, “When I am speaking about AIPAC, I’m speaking about an organization that has been supportive of the status quo…”. He cited the group’s funding of television ads and its role in “preserving power” that he claims “turns us against one another.” Jewish advocacy groups and elected officials, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, condemned the remarks, with Gottheimer tweeting, “Swap ‘AIPAC’ for ‘Jews’ and it’s the oldest antisemitic conspiracy theory in the books.” Mamdani defended his language by quoting Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci, saying the term “monsters” refers to entrenched political interests.

In a separate statement, Mamdani reiterated his long‑standing call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaking on a podcast, he argued that ICE “should be abolished” and that New York City will continue to uphold its sanctuary‑city status, refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. He framed the demand as a moral stance, emphasizing “humanity at the heart” of immigration policy and criticizing the agency’s impact on families.

Both controversies highlight Mamdani’s confrontational approach to national issues and the resulting political fallout within the city and beyond.