During a speech on Wednesday morning, New York City’s incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a strong warning to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, telling them not to break the law while carrying out their duties.
Speaking at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens to announce his transition team, Mamdani took the opportunity to address accountability for federal law enforcement officials implementing President Trump’s hardline immigration policies, which have led to numerous violent raids and alleged abuses.
“My message to ICE agents and to everyone across this city is that everyone will be held to the same standard of the law. If you violate the law, you must be held accountable,” Mamdani said. “And there is sadly a sense that is growing across this country that certain people are allowed to violate that law, whether they be the president or whether they be the agents themselves.”
Mamdani’s remarks mark a clear departure from the stance of current Mayor Eric Adams, who has worked in cooperation with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement after the Department of Justice quietly dropped its corruption investigation against him.
Mamdani: My message to I.C.E. Agents and to everyone across this city is that everyone will be held to the same standard of the law. If you violate the law, you must be held accountable.
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 5, 2025
And there is sadly, a sense that is growing across this country that certain people are… pic.twitter.com/2z2MKINhNB
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani has been an outspoken supporter of immigrant rights, visiting communities across all five boroughs and releasing campaign messages in several languages to connect with New York’s diverse population.
His approach appeared to strike a chord with voters, resulting in the highest turnout for a New York City mayoral race since 1969. Mamdani’s comments on Wednesday indicate that his administration plans to confront ICE’s aggressive tactics in the city — including reports of agents interrogating children playing baseball and violently detaining people inside immigration courtrooms.
That message, centered on fairness, accountability, and compassion for immigrants, appears to have strong support among New Yorkers.
