How does NYC handle ICE ? Mamdani clarifies policies

As Immigration, Customs and Border Protection activity continues to rapidly take place across the country, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that New York City opposes the agency's actions.

This comes after Tom Homan, the Trump administration's border czar, said earlier this month a big sweep is planned for the city.

"You're going to see more ICE agents than you've ever seen in New York City, and it's coming," he said on Fox News. "I just reviewed an operation plan, I'm not going to tell you exactly when it's going to happen, but it's coming."

Here's what Mamdani said, and how being a sanctuary city plays a role in NYC's response to ICE operations.

Mamdani on ICE in NYC

On Thursday, In an episode of "Talk with the People, Mamdani said he wanted to "make clear that we are proud of our heritage as an immigrant city."

"Our city does not simply oppose the actions of ICE, but that we are not going to be complicit with those actions either," Mamdani said.

"And that means making sure that every single city agency is in compliance with our sanctuary city policies."

He then went on to explain the restrictions.

"It means that we do not allow ICE agents into our schools, our hospitals, our city property unless they can provide a judicial warrant signed by a judge," he said.

"It means that we don't assist ICE with their civil immigration enforcement."

How much protection is there from ICE in NYC?

Although NYC is a sanctuary city, that does not mean New Yorkers are shielded from deportation altogether, according to the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.

On Friday, June 26, Hochul announced that a new law banning most law enforcement officials from wearing masks while on duty is now in effect. ICE agents have faced intense scrutiny for many officers remaining masked while conducting detainments.

But the city does offer services for those seeking legal help. An immigration hotline for NYC is set up at 1-800-354-0365, and 311 can also be called.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How does NYC handle ICE ? Mamdani clarifies policies

Reporting by Amethyst Martinez, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

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This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 11:50 AM.