New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced backlash from aides to former President Donald Trump following the issuance of an executive order that reinforces the city’s sanctuary laws. The order, released on February 6, 2026, instructs municipal agencies to adhere to existing regulations that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The executive order specifies that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are prohibited from using city-owned parking lots or properties as operational staging areas. Additionally, it reiterates that ICE agents must present a judicial warrant to enter private property for arrest purposes. This order does not introduce new laws; it merely reinforces existing protocols that restrict local agencies from assisting with deportation efforts in most cases.
Despite the lack of new regulations, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has raised concerns about public safety implications stemming from the mayor’s directive. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, criticized the order, stating, “Mamdani will make New Yorkers less safe as a direct result of this policy.” She further urged the mayor to cooperate with ICE in releasing individuals in custody who may pose a threat to public safety.
Mayor Defends Sanctuary Policies
In response to the criticism, Mayor Mamdani defended his executive order, asserting that sanctuary policies contribute to public safety. “These are policies that keep New Yorkers safe,” he stated. “These are policies that are motivated by delivering public safety, not in spite of public safety.” His remarks aim to counter the narrative that sanctuary laws jeopardize community safety.
The backlash from the Trump administration follows a broader threat made by the former president to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities. During a speech at the Detroit Economic Club on January 13, Trump declared, “They do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens.” He insisted that any city supporting sanctuary policies would face financial repercussions.
While Trump imposed a February 1 deadline for cities to revoke their sanctuary statuses, the consequences for New York City remain unclear. The DHS has yet to specify which federal funds might be withheld, and the deadline has passed without demonstrable action against the city.
Background on Sanctuary Laws
New York City’s sanctuary laws permit limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities. For instance, local law enforcement can share information with ICE only when an individual has been convicted of a serious or violent crime within the last five years, provided a judicial warrant is presented. Additionally, individuals listed on federal terrorism watchlists can be deported when ICE presents a valid judicial warrant.
Supporters of sanctuary policies argue that they enhance public safety by encouraging undocumented immigrants to report crimes and act as witnesses without the fear of deportation. This perspective posits that fostering trust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities ultimately benefits public safety.
As the debate continues, the implications of Mamdani’s executive order remain a focal point of discussion, highlighting the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local policies. The mayor’s commitment to sanctuary laws will likely shape the future of immigration policy in New York City and beyond.
