New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a national television platform Tuesday to voice his opposition to federal immigration enforcement, calling for the complete dissolution of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during an interview on ABC’s daytime talk show “The View.”
The first-term mayor, who identifies as a democratic socialist, told the program’s hosts that he believes ICE fails to serve its purported mission of enhancing public safety. His comments come amid heightened tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration policy enforcement in major American cities.
Mayor Questions Federal Agency’s Effectiveness
“I am in support of abolishing ICE. What we see is an entity that has no interest in fulfilling its stated reason to exist,” Mamdani stated during the televised discussion. The mayor’s position reflects a growing sentiment among progressive politicians who argue that the federal immigration agency, established in 2003, has overstepped its intended role.
Mamdani specifically criticized potential deportation operations in New York City, arguing such enforcement actions would fundamentally damage the city’s social cohesion. He characterized many targeted individuals as people whose primary offense involves their presence in the city rather than criminal activity.
Mamdani: I am in support of abolishing ICE. What we see is an entity that has no interest in fulfilling its stated reason to exist. We're seeing a government agency that is supposed to be enforcing some kind of immigration law but instead it's terrorizing people no matter their… pic.twitter.com/dLdn0A2W0o
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2026
“We are talking about people whose crime simply seems to be being in New York City, and if they make good on this threat and would rip the civic fabric of the city apart,” the mayor explained to the show’s audience.
Sanctuary City Policies Under Federal Pressure
The mayor’s television appearance highlighted the ongoing conflict between local sanctuary city policies and federal immigration enforcement priorities. Mamdani made clear his intention to maintain New York’s sanctuary city protections despite potential financial consequences from the federal government.
When discussing possible funding cuts from the Trump administration, Mamdani emphasized his unwillingness to compromise on what he considers fundamental principles. “What I’ve said is that our values and our laws—they’re not bargaining chips,” he declared during the interview.
This stance places New York City among several major metropolitan areas challenging federal immigration policy through local legislation and executive actions. The legal and political battle over sanctuary jurisdictions has intensified since the beginning of 2025, with both sides claiming constitutional authority for their positions.
Whoopi to Mamdani: “If you can do what you say you can do, you will not only remake the city, but you may help remake the nation.”
I always knew the ladies on The View were commies.
pic.twitter.com/Oca3TSq4BS— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 20, 2026
Controversial Statements on Law Enforcement Incident
During his appearance, Mamdani also addressed a recent shooting incident involving an ICE agent and a civilian named Renee Good. The mayor reiterated his characterization of the incident as “murder,” maintaining his critical stance toward federal immigration enforcement tactics.
This comment represents part of a broader pattern of statements by Mamdani that have drawn criticism from law enforcement organizations and federal officials. The mayor has previously made controversial remarks about police and immigration enforcement, some dating back to 2020 when he served in different political roles.
Notably, Mamdani has since issued apologies to law enforcement officers for some of his past statements, acknowledging that his previous rhetoric may have been inappropriate or inflammatory.
Television Appearance Dynamics
The interview took place against the backdrop of recent political commentary on “The View,” including remarks by co-host Whoopi Goldberg regarding President Trump and civil rights issues. The previous day, Goldberg had criticized Trump’s comments to The New York Times about white Americans being “very badly treated” following civil rights legislation.
During Tuesday’s show, Goldberg displayed a lighter tone with the mayor, joking about pronunciation difficulties with his name and referencing her dyslexia. The Ugandan-born Muslim mayor appeared comfortable with the informal atmosphere, using the platform to advance his policy positions to a national audience.
Mamdani on The View on new funding for universal childcare: "We actually have a mother in the audience — Mallory — who when the announcement was made, texted her husband to say, 'It might be time for a second kid.'"
Hosts: "Awwww" pic.twitter.com/vwYZnc0dhr
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 20, 2026
Political Context and Implications
Mamdani’s call for ICE abolition reflects a position that has gained traction among progressive Democrats since the agency’s creation. Critics argue that ICE has exceeded its original mandate and engaged in enforcement practices that separate families and target non-criminal immigrants.
Supporters of the agency counter that ICE serves a crucial role in national security and public safety by removing individuals who have violated immigration laws or committed crimes. They argue that local sanctuary policies interfere with legitimate federal law enforcement activities.
The mayor’s television appearance serves multiple political purposes, allowing him to communicate directly with constituents while building his profile among progressive activists nationwide. As a relatively new mayor of America’s largest city, Mamdani’s positions on federal issues carry significant weight in national political discussions.
Federal-Local Relations Under Strain
The conflict between New York City and federal immigration authorities exemplifies broader tensions in American federalism. Local officials like Mamdani argue they have constitutional authority to determine how their resources are used and what level of cooperation they provide to federal agencies.
Federal officials maintain that immigration enforcement represents a core federal responsibility that cannot be obstructed by local governments. This disagreement has led to legal challenges, funding disputes, and political rhetoric from both sides.
The practical implications affect millions of residents in sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have implemented policies limiting cooperation with ICE, while the federal government has threatened various forms of retaliation.
Looking Ahead
Mamdani’s public stance sets the stage for continued confrontation between New York City and federal immigration authorities. His commitment to maintaining sanctuary policies regardless of financial consequences suggests the conflict will likely escalate rather than resolve through compromise.
The mayor’s position also reflects the political calculations of a leader representing a diverse, largely Democratic constituency that generally supports immigrant-friendly policies. His willingness to take strong public positions on controversial issues aligns with campaign promises and voter expectations in New York City.
As immigration enforcement remains a central issue in American politics, local officials like Mamdani will continue to face pressure to balance federal requirements with community values. The resolution of these conflicts may ultimately require intervention from federal courts or new legislation from Congress.