Tom Homan, a seasoned law enforcement officer and former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), delivered a sharp warning to Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City in the 2025 election. Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist and New York State Representative from Queens’ Astoria neighborhood, recently secured his party’s nomination after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. He has since renewed his pledge to “kick the fascist ICE out of New York City,” promising to “Trump-proof” the five boroughs.
Speaking Wednesday on Fox Business Network’s Kudlow show, Homan responded directly to Mamdani’s pledge to block ICE from operating in New York City. “Good luck with that,” Homan told host Larry Kudlow, emphasizing the supremacy of federal law enforcement over local political declarations. “Federal law trumps him every day, every hour of every minute.”
Homan, who served as Acting Director of ICE during a critical period in immigration enforcement, made it clear that despite growing local resistance in sanctuary cities, the federal government will not tolerate interference with ICE’s authority. “We’re going to be in New York City,” he said. “President Trump made it clear just over a week ago—we’re going to double down and triple down on sanctuary cities.”
New York City has long been considered a sanctuary city, enacting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Mamdani’s platform includes efforts to prevent ICE agents from carrying out arrests or enforcement actions in the city, framing ICE’s presence as oppressive and labeling it “fascist.”
While Mamdani’s campaign has energized progressive voters seeking to resist the Trump administration’s tough immigration stance, Homan’s comments underscore the federal government’s resolve to uphold immigration laws regardless of local opposition. He warned that enforcement efforts will intensify in sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with ICE.
This clash reflects broader national tensions between federal immigration authorities and sanctuary jurisdictions. As a law enforcement veteran, Homan views sanctuary policies as a challenge to the rule of law and public safety. Mamdani and his supporters, meanwhile, argue that sanctuary protections are necessary to shield immigrant communities from unjust deportations and raids.
As the New York City mayoral race unfolds, immigration enforcement will remain a critical and polarizing issue. Mamdani’s promises to limit ICE’s presence will likely face stiff federal resistance. The confrontation between Homan and Mamdani highlights the ongoing struggle between local progressive policies and federal immigration enforcement, with New York City poised to remain a focal point in this national debate.
