Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has stated his intention to hire more police officers and enhance collaboration with ICE if Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani succeeds in the New York mayoral election.
Blakeman, a Republican seeking re-election this month, made this commitment to draw residents from the borough to the island, according to his spokeswoman.
“If Mamdani wins, [Blakeman] plans to hire more police and boost cooperation with [US Immigration and Customs Enforcement]. We actively encourage individuals and businesses to relocate to the safest county in America,” spokesperson Chris Boyle informed the Post.
Boyle did not elaborate on how the county might strengthen its contentious partnership with the federal agency.
Nassau’s current agreement, established in February, stands in stark contrast to “sanctuary policies” upheld by local governments that protect undocumented immigrants, a situation that has led to frustration among Democrats and lawsuits from activists.
The county has assigned 10 deputy detectives to collaborate with ICE and currently holds around 3,000 individuals in local detention centers, assisting the Trump administration’s efforts to combat illegal immigration.
Blakeman’s Democratic opponent, Nassau state Rep. Seth Koslow, is concerned that if he wins, Blakeman may discontinue this agreement.
Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, is currently leading in the strongly Democratic-leaning New York state, yet he faces challenges from independent candidate former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
