NEW YORK — In a strong public statement, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reaffirmed his support for the city’s sanctuary policies while expressing his belief that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.

Mamdani, seen in a confident portrait speaking outdoors, declared:

“We are proud of the sanctuary city policies we have. I do not want a future of this city where we learn how to deal with ICE. I believe ICE should be abolished.”

The remarks highlight Mamdani’s progressive stance on immigration enforcement. Sanctuary city policies in New York limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, aiming to build trust with immigrant communities and encourage reporting of crimes without fear of deportation.

Critics argue that such policies can hinder federal efforts to remove individuals with criminal records or those in the country illegally. Supporters, including Mamdani, view them as essential protections that uphold community safety and humanitarian values.

The mayor’s call to abolish ICE reflects a growing position among some progressive leaders who believe the agency’s practices are overly aggressive and require fundamental reform or replacement.

This latest statement comes amid ongoing national debates over immigration, border security, and the role of federal agencies in cities with large immigrant populations. New York City, home to millions of immigrants, has long maintained sanctuary status, often putting it at odds with federal immigration priorities.

Mamdani’s comments are expected to fuel further political discussion in the coming weeks as debates over immigration policy intensify at both local and national levels.