NYC Mayor Mamdani advocates for abolishing ICE amid rising anger over the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
In a significant development regarding immigration policy, Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City publicly endorsed the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency on Tuesday, amid growing concerns over its aggressive immigration enforcement practices. This announcement highlights Mamdani’s long-standing criticism of ICE, which he described as an entity that “terrorizes people.”
During an appearance on ABC’s “The View,” Mayor Mamdani expressed his frustration with the daily reports of individuals facing deportation, stating that such actions represent a lack of compassion in the immigration discourse. He emphasized the necessity for a humane approach to immigration in both the city and the country, advocating for systemic change that prioritizes empathy over enforcement.
Mamdani has previously signaled his support for dissolving ICE during his campaign trail, notably in a discussion with MSNBC where he lauded Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her leadership on the issue. His recent remarks as mayor mark a reiteration of his stance, aligning with a broader national conversation concerning the future of immigration enforcement in the United States.
The mayor’s call for abolition follows a notable incident last week when a City Council employee was detained by ICE despite possessing legal immigration status. He characterized this event as an “assault on our democracy,” underlining the potential consequences of ICE operations on individuals’ lives and civil liberties.
The ongoing crackdowns by ICE, particularly in Democratic-led cities like New York, Minneapolis, and Chicago, have sparked national outrage and discussion surrounding the agency’s role. Public sentiment appears to be shifting, as indicated by a recent Economist/YouGov poll, which revealed that 46% of those surveyed support abolishing ICE, compared to 43% who oppose it.
Political leaders like Manhattan Representative Dan Goldman have also begun voicing support for dismantling ICE, indicating a potential shift in mainstream political discourse. However, caution remains prevalent among many officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who clarified that she does not support the abolition of the agency.
Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, endorsed Mamdani’s position, arguing that the current immigration system requires comprehensive reevaluation rather than mere reforms focused solely on ICE.
While ICE representatives have yet to respond to these developments, the discourse surrounding its future continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal concerns about immigration enforcement, democratic values, and human rights. As the debate unfolds, the call for a more humane immigration policy, championed by local leaders like Mayor Mamdani, is likely to resonate with an increasingly aware public.
