Statement from NYC Mayoral Candidate on Trump’s Remarks

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani (D) reacted to President Trump’s suggestion of being arrested due to his refusal to cooperate with US immigration and customs enforcement (ICE). In a recent statement, he indicated that Trump had “threatened” him, mentioning being “arrested and stripped” and “detained and deported.” As a Democratic socialist, Mamdani took the opportunity to criticize Trump for endorsing New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D).

“The US President threatened me with arrest, stripping away my citizenship, and deportation,” Mamdani stated. “This isn’t about breaking the law, but about our refusal to let fear govern our city. His words aim to intimidate all New Yorkers who choose not to live in fear, representing a broader attack on our democracy.”

Mamdani’s comments came after Trump, in response to a reporter’s query, stated that Mamdani would ignore ICE. Trump claimed that if Mamdani became mayor, ICE agents would not be able to arrest undocumented immigrants in New York City. “President, your favorite city might soon be led by communists,” said Mamdani during the exchange.

In a follow-up, Trump remarked, “We have to arrest him. We don’t need communists in this country, but if they’re around, I’ll be watching them closely for the sake of the nation.” He added that “a lot of people are saying it,” implying a broader concern.

As reported, Mamdani further elaborated in an NBC News interview that he would “fight back” against ICE deportations in New York City, accusing Adams of colluding with the Trump administration to create the largest deportation force in history. “It’s essential that we stand up and resist. Unfortunately, the current mayor has aligned himself with those goals,” he concluded.